Be Measels Aware!
Be Measles Aware
As of March 13th, Colorado has no known cases.
Current situation:
- As of March 11, 2025, 223 measles cases have been identified in the South Plains region of Texas: Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Terry, and Yoakum Counties.
- As of March 11, 2025, 33 confirmed measles cases have been identified in Lea and Eddy Counties.
- As of March 11, 2025, 2 probable cases have been reported from an exposure in Texas.
Please read below for more general information taken directly from the CDC.
Measles Cases Rising:
Protect yourself and your community
Large measles outbreaks have occurred throughout the United States, including in states bordering or near Colorado. With many families traveling for spring break, ensuring their family is protected is crucial. Silver Thread Public Health District and CDPHE urge Coloradans who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or are not already immune to get vaccinated against this highly contagious disease.
Why the concern?
Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and in severe cases, death.
Measles spreads with alarming ease. It can linger in the air for up to two hours and survive on surfaces. A person can unknowingly spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.
Symptoms of measles are:
High fever (may spike to more than 104°F), Cough, Runny nose (coryza), red, watery eyes, rash, potentially white spots in mouth, and then a rash that starts at hairline and face that moves down the body to the trunk, arms, and legs. If you develop these symptoms or were exposed to an individual with these symptoms, stay away from others and contact your health care provider immediately. There is no specific antiviral treatment available. However, post-exposure MMR vaccine is recommended for those who do not have evidence of immunity or are not vaccinated. Your healthcare provider must also identify contacts and advise you regarding quarantine.
What happens if someone is exposed to measles?
If you develop these symptoms or were exposed to an individual with them, stay away from others and contact your healthcare provider immediately. No specific antiviral treatment is available. However, the post-exposure MMR vaccine is recommended for those who do not have evidence of immunity or are not vaccinated. Your healthcare provider must also identify contacts and advise you regarding quarantine.
If there is no evidence of vaccination, the quarantine period could be 21 days or longer or until the outbreak is over.
The ultimate defense: MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine works exceptionally well and is your best protection against measles. It is highly effective, providing about 93% protection after one dose and about 97% after two doses. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood vaccination schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. CDPHE recommends vaccinating all children and adults who aren't immune.
- Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
- Infants (6-11 months) should receive a dose of the MMR vaccine before international travel, ideally two weeks before. According to the routinely recommended schedule, infants who receive one dose before their first birthday should receive two more doses.
● Adults who may need to be vaccinated include:
- Those who were vaccinated before 1968 and received early, inactivated versions of the measles vaccine that weren't as effective as the current MMR vaccine.
- Those born in 1958 or later are unsure of their MMR vaccination history. An MMR vaccine is not harmful, even if you are immune.
- Health care personnel who do not have evidence of immunity or two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
Adults born between 1968 and 1989, who likely received only one dose of the measles vaccine, are not recommended to receive a second dose of MMR unless they belong to specific high-risk groups, such as health care providers. Anyone in this population who is concerned about their level of protection should consult with their health care provider before seeking MMR vaccination.
Where you can get vaccinated
Mineral County Public Health Office (719-658-2416) and the Hinsdale County Public Health Office (970-944-0321). Please call for an appointment. We have free doses and can bill insurance to make them available at low or no cost.