(COLORADO) — Three cases of measles have now been confirmed in Colorado, and health leaders are encouraging vaccination as one of the best preventative methods to avoid becoming infected with this highly contagious disease.

The third measles case in the state was confirmed on Tuesday, April 8 in Pagosa Springs, following previously confirmed cases in Pueblo and Denver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles presents with a number of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that is red and blotchy. Symptoms can appear seven to 14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. 

Measles is highly transmissible to others. If one person has it, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease—from four days before developing the measles rash through four days afterward. 

According to CVS Health, vaccination is the most effective way to help protect people from measles, and may provide some protection if given within the first three days (72 hours) after exposure to measles. CVS Pharmacies across the state of Colorado are offering the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at more than 50 locations.

Patients ages three and older can receive the MMR vaccine at CVS Pharmacy locations. The first dose, if planned to be given during the recommended age of 12 to 15 months old, cannot be administered at a CVS Pharmacy. People are considered immune to measles if they have received two MMR vaccines or were born before 1957.

While walk-ins are welcome, CVS encourages patients to make an appointment at CVS.com or through the CVS Health app in advance to ensure vaccine availability.

CVS said its pharmacy staff can assist patients in determining whether the vaccine is covered by their insurance plan.