Colorado health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Weld County child who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, the child developed symptoms after traveling to another state experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak. Officials report that there are no known public exposure locations linked to this case.
In Montezuma County, CDPHE and the Montezuma County Public Health Department identified two more cases among unvaccinated household contacts of a previously confirmed case. Both individuals were in quarantine during their infectious period, so there are also no known public exposure sites associated with these cases.
“With the holiday season in full swing, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from measles,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist. “Holiday gatherings often involve close contact indoors and travel to see family and friends, creating an environment where measles can spread easily. Ensuring you are up to date on the MMR vaccine is critical to protecting vulnerable loved ones you may visit, including infants too young to be vaccinated and family members with weakened immune systems.”
Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face before spreading.
Officials advise anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms within 7 to 21 days after exposure to contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting any medical facility. This helps reduce potential further exposures.
Further information about symptoms, transmission, vaccine recommendations, current case details for 2025 in Colorado, and updated lists of exposure locations can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
