(PUEBLO, Colo.) — A Pueblo health clinic took nine days to report that a patient had been tested for measles last month, instead of the four-hour window required by the state.
On Monday, March 31, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed the first measles case in Colorado in a joint press release. The person who contracted measles had reportedly recently traveled to an area of Mexico that is currently experiencing an ongoing outbreak. The unvaccinated adult went to the Southern Colorado Clinic on March 22.
“The PDPHE is taking the lead on case investigation and contact tracing,” said Randy Evetts, Public Health Director, PDPHE. “We’ve also been working with childcare providers, local healthcare providers, and others to assure that they are aware.”
The Southern Colorado Clinic in Pueblo West, where the case originated, did not respond to requests for comment.
While it’s unclear why the clinic waited to report the case, health officials are wasting no time educating the public.
“The good news, of course, is that measles is highly preventable,” said Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, CDPHE. “We have a highly effective vaccine, the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, that with two doses is 97% effective at preventing measles infection and provides lifelong protection against the disease.”
Symptoms to watch for include a runny nose, watery or red eyes, and a high fever. Typically, three to five days later, the hallmark sign of measles appears–a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body.
“It’s important to note that the infectious period or the time that you can spread measles to other people when you are sick starts four days before that rash develops and lasts about four days after the rash develops,” Herlihy said.
Measles is highly infectious, so health officials want to ensure people receive the necessary care as early as possible. However, it’s also important to take steps to protect others from being exposed.
“If you have concerns that you or a family member may have the measles call ahead before going to your emergency department, your clinic, or your doctor’s office so that your health care providers can make preparations to bring you safely into their clinic and not expose other people to this highly infectious illness,” said Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer, CDPHE.
As for why the test was not reported for nine days, PDPHE said it is working with the clinic.
“Measles is an immediately reportable disease and should be reported to public health within four hours of administering a test for a suspected case,” said PDPHE. “We will continue to work with the clinic, and all our healthcare partners, to ensure they’re aware of the importance and need for timely reporting.”
