(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — A case of measles has been confirmed in an unvaccinated adult in Pueblo County, and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) is recommending anyone who visited several locations in Pueblo County recently to monitor themselves for symptoms.
According to a joint press release from PDPHE and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the person recently traveled to an area of Mexico that is experiencing an ongoing outbreak.
According to CDPHE, measles is highly contagious and often severe, but it is preventable. CDPHE said the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection.
Based on available information, CDPHE is warning anyone who visited the below locations on specific dates and times to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings:
LocationDate/TimeSouthwest Deli and Cafe
1873 S. Pueblo Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81005Monday, March 17
Tuesday, March 18
Wednesday, March 19
Thursday, March 20
Friday, March 21Southern Colorado Clinic
109 South Burlington Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007Saturday, March 22
3:30 – 6 p.m.
What to watch for and what you should do if you develop symptoms
People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms between seven and 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.
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.
Find out if your child is vaccinated
Coloradans can check their or their child’s immunization records through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) Public Portal. More information on the MMR vaccine can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
“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.”
