The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Adams County Health Department have confirmed a measles case in a child under five years old from Adams County. The child, who was not vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, had traveled with family to Chihuahua, Mexico, where a measles outbreak is ongoing. The child is currently hospitalized.
Health officials emphasized that measles is highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” according to the statement.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash typically appears several days later on the face before spreading. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles may still benefit from receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure. In some cases, immunoglobulin administered within six days may help prevent or reduce illness severity.
Officials identified Children’s Hospital Colorado Emergency Department at 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora as an exposure location on Tuesday, Aug. 12 between 6:36 p.m. and 10:16 p.m. Anyone present during this time should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following exposure and contact their health care provider if symptoms develop before visiting any medical facility.
Further information about symptoms, transmission methods, vaccine recommendations, current case details in Colorado for 2025, and updated exposure locations can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
