DENVER (KDVR) — Officials are warning of new potential measles exposure sites in Colorado as cases continue to spread following an out-of-state traveler who passed through the Denver International Airport and a nearby hotel last month.
A second vaccinated adult in Denver County has tested positive for measles, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The infected individual was onboard the Turkish Airlines flight 201, which arrived at DIA on Tuesday, May 13.
Officials say the infected individual is recovering at home. This marks the seventh case linked to an out-of-state traveler who flew while infectious. So far, officials have learned of four passengers on the flight who were infected and three people who were at the airport during the exposure period on May 14 who are also infected.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air via coughs and sneezes. The disease can remain in the air up to two hours after the person has left. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is through the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, according to CDPHE.
“In rare cases, people who are vaccinated can still get measles, but their symptoms are usually milder, and they are less likely to spread it to others,” CDPHE explained in a release.
Two doses of the MMR vaccination are about 97% effective in preventing measles, CDPHE has repeatedly stated.
Here’s where health officials say that individuals may have been exposed to measles from the most-recently confirmed measles case of the Denver County resident. Anyone who was there should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and avoid public gatherings or high-risk settings.
LocationDate/timeWhen symptoms may developTrader Joe’s
661 Logan St.
Denver, CO 80203Thursday, May 29
9:30 – 11:40 a.m.Through June 19King Soopers
1520 Main St
Windsor, CO 80550Friday, May 30
10:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.Through June 20Target
4301 E. Virginia Ave.
Glendale, CO 80246Monday, June 2
9:20 – 11:50 p.m.Through June 23
However, there are exposure locations in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Evergreen, Glendale, Grand Junction, Greenwood Village and Windsor. All locations and time frames have been listed on CDPHE’s website here.
Measles FAQ’s: Vaccine efficacy, precautions, records
Symptoms of measles typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Anyone who was at the above locations during the exposure window and develops symptoms should immediately contact their health provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call urgent care or an emergency department and explain your measles exposure. Calling ahead helps limit further exposures.
CDPHE told FOX31 in February that prior to 2025, the last confirmed case of measles in the state was reported in December 2023, and that most of the time, measles cases occur in Colorado after travel or in under-vaccinated communities.
About 93.7% of Colorado children have the MMR vaccination, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. That’s below the goal threshold of 95% for community immunity.
Coloradans can check their own or their child’s immunization records through the state’s Immunization Information System public portal. If your provider has not reported vaccines, some records may be incomplete.
