The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed the third case of measles this year in the state, involving an adult male resident from Archuleta County. In light of this recent confirmation, public health officials are urging both residents and visitors to review potential exposure locations and remain vigilant for symptoms.
Individuals who may have been exposed to the infected person are advised to closely monitor for symptoms. Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and itchy or red and watery eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a characteristic rash that typically starts on the head and spreads to the body. Ashley Springer, a spokeswoman for the Archuleta County Public Health Department, emphasized, “Some of the symptoms are similar to allergies, so the bumps are key.”
Health officials have identified several locations where potential exposure could have occurred in late March and early April. They are actively updating these locations as new information becomes available. In an effort to curb the transmission of measles, anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure is encouraged to contact a healthcare facility before arriving in person.
According to Springer, a measles patient is infectious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the symptoms subside. Fortunately, the Archuleta County patient is currently resting at home and is reported to be on the path to recovery. However, details regarding the individual's vaccination status remain undisclosed.
The Archuleta County Public Health Department is collaborating with the Silver Thread Public Health District, which oversees Mineral County where Wolf Creek is located. Together, they are reaching out to employees at both the City Market and Wolf Creek who may have been exposed to the virus. The Archuleta County Public Health Department, which recently separated from the health district it shared with La Plata County, has a dedicated team working on this outbreak.
This confirmed case marks the third instance of measles in Colorado for the year and is part of a broader outbreak affecting neighboring states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 600 measles cases nationwide and two fatalities in 2023. In addition to Colorado, states such as Alaska, California, Florida, and Ohio have reported cases of measles.
While officials are investigating the potential community transmission of measles, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist, noted that the Archuleta County individual has not traveled outside of Colorado. This raises concerns about local transmission. She strongly urges all Coloradans to monitor for symptoms and ensure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations.
Currently, just over 88% of students in the Archuleta County School District 50-JT are fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is concerning, given that a vaccination rate of approximately 93% is considered the threshold for community immunity against measles. Vaccination rates for MMR, a disease once thought to be eradicated, have declined nationwide, including in Colorado.
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect against measles, with two doses offering about 97% effectiveness. According to the CDC, individuals born before 1957 are likely presumed protected against measles, mumps, and rubella due to previous infections. Most adults born after 1957 who have received at least one dose of the live measles virus-containing vaccine (MMR) are also considered protected unless they fall into a high-risk category.
For anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles, it is crucial to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days following exposure. Public health officials recommend avoiding gatherings or high-risk settings, especially for unvaccinated individuals, to minimize the risk of further transmission.
For more information and updates regarding measles exposure in Archuleta County, stay informed through local public health announcements.
