Measles case confirmed in Colorado
Colorado state health officials along with the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult Pueblo, Colorado resident. The individual recently traveled to an area of Mexico experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak.
Health officials list the following as known exposure locations:
Southwest Deli and Cafe, 1873 S. Pueblo Blvd. Pueblo, CO 81005
Date/Time- Monday March 17-Friday March 21
Southern Colorado Clinic, 109 South Burlington Drive, Pueblo West, CO 81007
Date/Time- Saturday, March 22 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
South Side Walmart (particularly those who were in or near the pharmacy), 4080 W. Northern Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005
Date/Time- Saturday, March 22, 2025 2:30 - 5 p.m.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says anyone who was in the following locations during the dates listed may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure (Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads), and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who are not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
If you were at one of these locations during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.
Health authorities strongly recommend that the public ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations:
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is also highly preventable,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist. “The MMR vaccine provides excellent protection and helps prevent outbreaks like the one we are seeing globally. We urge Coloradans to review their vaccination status and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Measles is highly contagious and often severe, but it is a preventable disease. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. 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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 607 confirmed measles cases were reported by 22 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington as of April 3.