Public health officials in Colorado have confirmed a case of measles in a Mesa County resident. The individual, an adult who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, has no known connection to other recent exposures in the state and has not traveled outside Colorado. Officials say this suggests the infection may be due to community transmission in the Grand Junction area. Mesa County Public Health is currently investigating.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), “Measles is a highly contagious, but preventable disease. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Measles symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash usually appears several days later on the face before spreading elsewhere on the body. CDPHE advises that people who have not received the MMR vaccine can still get vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent illness. In some cases, immunoglobulin administered within six days may also help prevent or lessen symptoms.
Health officials have identified several locations where potential exposures may have occurred:
– Landmark Baptist Church and School at 1600 Ute Ave., Grand Junction: Thursday, Aug. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
– Chick-fil-A at 522 Bogart Lane (dine-in and drive thru): Friday, Aug. 8 from 3 p.m. to midnight.
– Burger King at 1730 N Ave., Grand Junction (dine-in only): Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1–4 p.m.
– Community Hospital Emergency Department at 2351 G Road: Monday, Aug. 11 through Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 7 p.m.–12:45 a.m., and Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5:18–7:33 p.m.
Anyone who was present at these locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms for up to three weeks after exposure dates listed by CDPHE (through late August or early September depending on location). Those who develop symptoms are urged to call their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility and inform them about possible measles exposure.
“Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine,” according to CDPHE.
For more information about measles symptoms, transmission methods, vaccine recommendations, details about this case in Colorado in 2025, or an updated list of exposure sites, visit the CDPHE measles webpage.
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