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What You Need to Know

As of April 9, 2025, measles is making headlines in Colorado, raising alarm bells among public health officials and residents alike. This highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease, once nearly eradicated in the United States, is showing signs of resurgence. With three confirmed cases reported in the state this year, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s happening, why it’s a problem, and what we can do about it.

Colorado has seen a troubling increase in measles cases recently. The first case was confirmed on March 31 in an unvaccinated adult from Pueblo who traveled to Mexico, followed by an unvaccinated infant diagnosed on April 7 after a trip to Chihuahua. Most concerning is a third case on April 8 in Archuleta County—an adult with unknown vaccination status who hadn’t traveled outside the state, suggesting the virus may be circulating locally.

Measles is more than just a childhood rash—it’s a serious illness that can cause severe problems, especially for those who aren’t vaccinated. Symptoms usually begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads downward from the face. While most people heal, the dangers are significant: about one in five unvaccinated people who get measles may require hospitalization. For children, it can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or even death—up to three in every 1,000 infected kids may not survive.

The disease’s contagiousness is what makes it so dangerous. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after they’ve left. If 90% of unvaccinated people in that space are exposed, they’ll likely catch it. That’s why vaccination rates matter so much—when 95% of a community is immunized, “herd immunity” kicks in, protecting even those who can’t get vaccinated, like infants or people with certain medical conditions.

Colorado’s vaccination rates are dropping, posing a serious problem. For the 2023-2024 school year, only 93.7% of K-12 students were fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Some areas, like Archuleta County, report even lower rates of about 87%. Low vaccination rates are common across the state, particularly in rural districts and places like Boulder, where hesitancy persists despite high education and income levels.

Travel is another critical factor influencing the spread of infectious diseases. Two of Colorado’s recent cases were directly linked to international trips to Mexico, where outbreaks are still ongoing and health officials are closely monitoring the situation. With spring break season in full swing and summer travel quickly approaching, the risk of importing measles into the state—or exacerbating its spread within local communities—grows significantly. Additionally, Colorado’s diverse and mobile population, which includes residents and visitors frequently traveling for work, recreation, or family visits, means these cases might not remain isolated for long. As people interact in various settings such as airports, hotels, and public events, the potential for transmission increases, posing a challenge to public health efforts aimed at controlling the outbreak and ensuring community safety.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is on high alert. They’re working with local health agencies in Pueblo, Denver, and Archuleta County to investigate these cases, identify potential exposure sites, and notify anyone who might have been at risk. For example, people who visited Southwest Deli and Cafe in Pueblo from March 17-21, Denver Health’s ER on April 6, or Wolf Creek Ski Area from March 28-30 are being told to watch for symptoms like fever or rash for 21 days after possible exposure.

The CDPHE is also pushing hard on vaccination. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses, and it’s the best defense we’ve got. They’re encouraging everyone—especially those planning travel—to check their vaccination status via the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) and get vaccinated if needed. For infants 6-11 months heading to outbreak areas, an early dose is recommended, even though the standard schedule starts at 12-15 months.

Here’s how to keep yourself and your community safe:

1. Check Your Status: If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two MMR doses, ask your doctor or check the CIIS portal. Adults born after 1957 who got vaccinated before 1968 might need a booster, as early vaccines were less effective.
2. Get Vaccinated: It’s not too late. The MMR shot can even prevent infection if given within 72 hours of exposure. Pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices across Colorado offer it, often at low or no cost.
3. Monitor Symptoms: If you’ve been to a potential exposure site, watch for signs of measles for three weeks. If you feel sick, call your doctor ahead of time—don’t just show up and risk spreading it.
4. Spread the Word: Talk to friends and family about vaccination. Misinformation has fueled hesitancy, but the science is clear: the MMR vaccine is safe and it works.

Will these three cases fizzle out, or are we on the brink of a larger outbreak? That depends on us. Colorado hasn’t seen locally transmitted measles since the mid-1990s, but with 607 cases nationwide this year—mostly tied to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico—the threat is real. Texas alone has reported over 500 cases and two child deaths, a stark reminder of what’s at stake.

I remember when I had measles in grade school. It was a time filled with discomfort and frustration, as I felt utterly miserable and would not wish it on anyone. The rash that covered my body itched incessantly, and I found myself unable to resist scratching, which led to scarring on my forehead that lasted for a considerable amount of time. This particular spot became a reminder of my illness, a place where I scratched without fully realizing the consequences. It was one of the many childhood diseases one had to endure during that era. This experience took place before vaccines were discovered, leaving countless children to grapple with ailments that could have been easily prevented. My days were spent confined to bed, surrounded by the faint sounds of laughter from my friends outside, a stark contrast to the isolation I felt during that time.