Measles Alert: Colorado Residents Urged to Monitor Symptoms Following Exposure
In a concerning development, health officials in Colorado have announced that passengers who took the Flatiron Flyer between Boulder and Denver last week may have been exposed to measles. This warning comes after an unidentified resident from Boulder County, who had just returned from a trip to Europe, rode the bus route six times while contagious.
Measles Cases on the Rise
This incident marks the 15th confirmed case of measles in Colorado this year, highlighting a significant increase in infections not seen in decades. The situation is part of a troubling trend, following a deadly measles outbreak in Texas earlier this year, which has raised concerns about the spread of this highly contagious disease globally.
Health officials reported that the infected Boulder County resident is an adult who had been fully vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is considered very effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against the disease. However, no vaccine is 100% effective, meaning that even vaccinated individuals can still contract measles under rare circumstances.
Symptoms to Watch For
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging people who traveled on the Flatiron Flyer or visited specific locations in Boulder and Denver during the exposure window to monitor themselves for symptoms for a period of 21 days. Symptoms of measles typically include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Body rash
Officials recommend that those who may have been exposed consider avoiding public gatherings to limit the potential spread of the virus.
Exposure Locations and Times
Individuals who were at the following locations during the specified times are particularly advised to take precautions:
- RTD Flatiron Flyer: Between Denver and Boulder, both ways, from 6:45 to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 to 7:15 p.m. on June 3, June 5, and June 6.
- Market Building: 1400 16th St., Denver, from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on June 3-6.
- Little Finch Coffee Shop: 1490 16th St., Denver, from noon to 2:15 p.m. on June 4 and June 5.
- Whole Foods: 1701 Wewatta St., Denver, from noon to 2:30 p.m. on June 4.
- Rosetta Hall: 1109 Walnut St., Boulder, from 7:30 to 10:45 p.m. on June 6.
“We understand that this may cause concern, but we encourage those affected to remain vigilant about their health and to reach out to healthcare providers for guidance,” said a spokesperson from the Colorado health department.
With measles outbreaks becoming more frequent in recent years, public health experts emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates within communities to prevent the spread of this easily transmissible virus. Measles can have serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or those who are unvaccinated.