Colorado public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a visitor from another state who traveled to Huerfano County. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department are alerting the public about possible exposure sites in Southern Colorado.
Officials stress that vaccination is the most effective protection against measles, which is highly contagious but preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically appears on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
The agencies identified specific locations where exposures may have occurred:
– Ranch House Inn at 1012 Cherry St., La Veta, CO 81055 between October 12 and October 15.
– La Veta Country Store (Valero) at 200 N Main St., La Veta, CO 81055 on Monday, October 13 from 8 to 11 a.m.
Anyone who was present at these places during those times should monitor themselves for symptoms for up to three weeks after potential exposure. People who have not received the MMR vaccine are especially urged to watch for symptoms and consider avoiding large gatherings or high-risk environments. There may be additional locations identified as investigations continue.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems, but it is a vaccine-preventable disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection,” according to CDPHE.
People exposed to measles generally develop symptoms within seven to twenty-one days after contact. Those who were at any listed location during potential exposure times and begin experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider by phone immediately or call an urgent care center or emergency department before visiting in person. This step helps limit further spread of infection.
For more details about symptoms or updated information on exposure locations related to this case in Colorado during 2025 as well as recommendations regarding vaccination and prevention measures for measles transmission visit the CDPHE measles webpage.
