The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department have confirmed a case of measles in a visitor from out-of-state who traveled to Huerfano County. Officials have released information about possible exposure locations in Southern Colorado.
According to CDPHE, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The disease is highly contagious but can be prevented with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically appears several days after other symptoms begin.
Health officials have identified two locations where members of the public may have been exposed:
– Ranch House Inn at 1012 Cherry St., La Veta, CO 81055 between October 12 and October 15. Symptoms could develop by Wednesday, November 5.
– La Veta Country Store (Valero) at 200 N Main St., La Veta, CO 81055 on Monday, October 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. Symptoms could develop by Monday, November 3.
Officials advise anyone who was present at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. They also recommend avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings during this period, especially for those who are not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. There may be additional exposure sites that are not yet confirmed; updates will be provided as necessary.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems, but it is a vaccine-preventable disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection,” according to CDPHE.
People who were at any of these locations during the potential exposure window and develop symptoms should contact their health care provider by phone before visiting any medical facility. Those without a provider should call an urgent care center or emergency department in advance and explain their possible exposure in order to help prevent further spread.
For more information about measles symptoms, transmission methods, vaccine recommendations, details on this case in Colorado in 2025 as well as current lists of exposure locations, visit the CDPHE measles webpage.
