Passengers who utilized the Regional Transportation District’s Flatiron Flyer service between Boulder and Denver last week are urged to be vigilant for symptoms of measles. This warning follows the revelation that a contagious resident from Boulder County rode this route a total of six times. The unidentified individual recently returned from a trip to Europe and has been confirmed as the state’s 15th case of measles this year, as reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The increase in measles cases in Colorado marks the highest number the state has seen in decades. This surge comes in the wake of a deadly outbreak in Texas earlier this year and coincides with the emergence of other global hotspots for the highly contagious disease. Public health officials have stated that the infected Boulder County resident is an adult who was fully vaccinated. It is important to note that two doses of the vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing infection.
State health officials recommend that individuals who traveled on the Flatiron Flyer monitor themselves for measles symptoms for up to 21 days. They should also consider avoiding public gatherings if they were present at the following exposure locations in Boulder and Denver:
RTD Flatiron Flyer between Denver and Boulder, both directions, from 6:45 to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 to 7:15 p.m. on June 3, June 5, and June 6. Market Building, 1400 16th St., Denver, from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on June 3-6. Little Finch Coffee Shop, 1490 16th St., Denver, from noon to 2:15 p.m. on June 4 and June 5. Whole Foods, 1701 Wewatta St., Denver, from noon to 2:30 p.m. on June 4. Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St., Boulder, from 7:30 to 10:45 p.m. on June 6.Early symptoms of measles include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever, with a distinctive red rash typically appearing about four days after a person becomes contagious. Individuals may begin to feel unwell one to three weeks following exposure. If you feel ill after potential exposure, it is crucial to contact your health care provider or an urgent care center before seeking in-person assistance, allowing them to take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to other patients.
Colorado has also documented at least eight measles cases connected to Denver International Airport, following a Turkish Airlines flight that landed there with a contagious passenger on May 13. Additional cases have been confirmed in various locations, including Denver, Pueblo, and Archuleta County. In contrast, a typical year in Colorado sees two or fewer measles cases; the last time the state reported more than ten cases in a year was in the 1990s.
With the current rise in measles cases, it is more important than ever for the community to stay informed and vigilant about vaccination and symptoms. For further guidance and updates, residents are encouraged to follow recommendations from health officials.
