The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Montezuma County Public Health Agency have confirmed a case of measles in a child residing in Montezuma County. The child had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and has no known link to other recent exposures reported in Colorado, including another case in Montezuma County. Additionally, the child has not traveled outside the state.
Health officials stated that the absence of a clear source of infection may indicate that unidentified cases of measles could be present or passing through the Cortez area. The Montezuma County Public Health Agency is conducting an investigation into this case.
Measles is described as highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” according to public health officials.
Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash usually appears several days later on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Officials advise that individuals who have not received the MMR vaccine can still get vaccinated within 72 hours after exposure to help prevent illness. In certain cases, immunoglobulin administered within six days may also help reduce or prevent symptoms.
According to CDPHE, people who were at Cold Stone Creamery located at 215 S. Sligo St., Cortez, CO 81321 on Wednesday, Nov. 26 between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. Those present during this time should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following potential exposure and contact their healthcare provider before seeking medical care if symptoms develop.
Monitoring for symptoms is particularly important for unvaccinated individuals and infants under one year old who are not routinely recommended for the MMR vaccine.
Further information about measles symptoms, transmission methods, vaccine recommendations, updated details about Colorado’s 2025 measles cases, and current exposure locations can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
