The first case of the measles in Pueblo was reported by the Department of Public Health on March 31. Since then, there have been two other cases reported in Denver and Archuleta County.
These confirmed cases in Colorado are preceding an ongoing outbreak in the United States with more than 700 confirmed illnesses to date.
Symptoms begin 7-10 days after exposure, and can be spread person to person from about four days before to four days after the rash presents, making it a highly contagious virus. The severity of symptoms also are critical and can become especially deadly for children.
Two of the cases reported in Colorado are believed to be due to international travels to Mexico. All residents are encouraged to check their vaccination status, but especially those regularly exposed to large groups of people such as on a school campus, or those traveling out of the country or to areas experiencing an outbreak.
“Large groups can be vulnerable to higher possible transmission due to the nature of viral respiratory diseases and the way they spread. The greatest way to protect yourself is to ensure you’ve been properly vaccinated for measles,” said Trysten Garcia, the public information officer at Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment.
A person is considered fully vaccinated if they have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine. Those with only one dose are considered to be less protected and encouraged to seek further immunization.
“Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses are 97% effective,” Garcia said.
Students can check their immunization status at the Wolfpack Wellness Center and also find information about receiving the MMR if needed. Any confirmed cases and possible exposure sites can be located on the health department’s website. The state of Colorado also has a public portal that actively tracks the immunization status of children and students.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states, “Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.”
Although highly contagious, the disease is preventable. Reporting symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately by phone is considered to be most effective for preventing additional exposures.
Anyone who is unsure as to whether they had measles as a child, or were immunized many years ago can contact their health provider, who can order a simple test to determine immunity or lack of the same.
