Colorado’s Measles Alert: 21 Cases Confirmed and Possible Exposure at DIA – What You Need to Know

Public health officials reported a new case of measles in Colorado, bringing the total this year to 21. This is a sharp rise compared to previous years when cases were rare.

The latest case involves an adult in Mesa County, whose vaccination status is unclear. They may have been near another recent case in the area. Erin Minnerath, the deputy director of Mesa County Public Health, noted that measles symptoms often start with a cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a high fever and a distinctive rash that begins at the hairline and spreads downward.

Possible exposure locations include a clinic, a church, and various restaurants in Grand Junction. For details, you can check the state health department’s website.

Officials are also looking into community transmission and recently mentioned a possible measles exposure at Denver International Airport. A confirmed case traveled through the airport’s C concourse on August 12, raising the alarm for passengers in that area. If you were there, watch for symptoms for up to 21 days and consult your healthcare provider if you develop any signs of illness.

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist, emphasized that crowded public spaces, like airports, heighten the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Staying current with vaccinations before traveling is crucial for personal and community health.

Among the 21 cases in Colorado, many affected individuals were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Notably, four cases involved children under 4 years old, while the rest were adults. So far, five people have required hospitalization, but thankfully, no fatalities have been reported.

Historically, Colorado rarely saw measles outbreaks, with only a few cases each year until this spike. Nationally, the CDC reported 1,356 confirmed cases across 41 states this year, with 32 outbreaks identified. It’s alarming that over 170 patients have been hospitalized, and there have been three deaths in the U.S. this year.

If you’re seeking more guidance, the CDPHE measles webpage offers information on symptoms, transmission, and vaccination recommendations, along with a list of current exposure locations.

As communities work to control this outbreak, the sharp increase in cases across the U.S. highlights the importance of vaccination. Public trust in vaccines is crucial for maintaining herd immunity and preventing diseases like measles from spreading.

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