(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Public health epidemiologists with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) have discovered a third location of possible measles exposure.
On Monday, March 31, PDPHE and 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 experiencing an ongoing outbreak. The first case was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult.
Both health departments are now warning anyone who may have visited these locations on specific dates and times to monitor themselves for symptoms.
“As our investigation has progressed, we identified an additional location where people may have been exposed to measles. This is common in case investigations as we learn more about an individual’s movements during their infectious period. Identifying and notifying the public about these locations as quickly as possible is critical to protecting the health of the community and limiting further spread,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer.
On Thursday, April 3, CDPHE and PDPHE revealed a third location where individuals may have been exposed.
LocationDate/TimeSouthwest Deli and Cafe
1873 S. Pueblo BoulevardMonday, March 17
Tuesday, March 18
Wednesday, March 19
Thursday, March 20
Friday, March 21Southern Colorado ClinicSaturday, March 22
New time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.New location:
South Side Walmart
4080 W. Northern Avenue
Specifically, those who were in or near the pharmacySaturday, March 22
2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Those who have been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Symptoms include fever, cough, running nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.
Monitoring is crucial, especially for those who are not vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to CDPHE, measles is highly contagious but preventable with the MMR vaccine.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and developed symptoms should immediately contact their health provider by phone or call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that they might have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.
For additional questions, the Pueblo County Public Health and Environment has set up a hotline for additional questions and information about measles at (719) 583-4446.
