Colorado measles cases rise to 3, Latest case may be community transmission
In a follow-up on the measles cases in Colorado, state health officials report two additional cases, one in Denver County and another in Archuleta County, bringing the state total to three.
On Monday, The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Denver Health, and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Denver County infant resident under 1 year old.
The infant recently traveled with family to an area of Chihuahua, Mexico, which is experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak. The current evidence shows that the case is likely not linked to the case in Pueblo.
Babies normally get the routine dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12-15 months.
On Tuesday, CDPHE, along with the Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD), and the Silver Thread Public Health District have confirmed a case of measles in an Archuleta County adult resident.
The person’s vaccination history is unknown at present. The current evidence shows that the case is likely not linked to the cases in Pueblo or Denver.
“This case does not appear to be linked to the other cases reported in Colorado and the individual did not travel outside of Colorado, which leaves open the possibility of community transmission,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Measles is highly contagious and often severe, but it is a preventable disease. The MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.