So, here’s something serious that popped up over the weekend in Colorado Springs, and if you're in the area or know someone who is, this one deserves your attention.
Health officials have confirmed two new cases of measles in El Paso County, Colorado. Yep, measles. That thing most of us thought was nearly wiped out thanks to vaccines. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and El Paso County Public Health confirmed that both individuals were unvaccinated and are currently recovering at home.
But here's where it gets really important: there are specific locations and timeframes where people may have been exposed, and if you were there, it's worth keeping a very close eye on your health.
Exposure Alert: Where and When
If you happened to be at any of the following spots, mark your calendar and monitor for symptoms for the next 21 days (that’s how long measles can incubate):
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Love’s Travel Stop/Carl’s Jr, 748 22 Road, Grand Junction
Tuesday, May 27 (6:00–10:00 PM) -
Maverik Gas Station, 2588 Airport Road, Colorado Springs
Wednesday, May 28 (9:00–11:30 AM) -
King Soopers, 1750 W. Uintah Street, Colorado Springs
Saturday, May 31 (8:30 AM–12:45 PM)
What to Watch For
Even if it’s been a while since you last thought about measles, the symptoms are pretty distinct. Here’s what health experts say to look for:
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Fever
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Runny nose
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Cough
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Red, watery eyes
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A blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body a few days after the fever hits
If you're feeling even a little bit off and you were at one of those locations, don’t brush it off. Call your doctor before you go in, measles spreads like wildfire, and healthcare providers need a heads-up.
No primary doctor? No problem. Call an urgent care center or ER and tell them, “Hey, I might have been exposed to measles.” Trust me, they’d rather know than not.
A Quick Reality Check on Measles
Here’s where it gets a little frustrating: measles is entirely preventable. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is incredibly effective and has been protecting people for decades. Most people who get the two-dose series as kids are good for life.
Still, we’ve been seeing a slow (and troubling) uptick in measles cases across the U.S., mostly in pockets of unvaccinated populations. And outbreaks like this one in Colorado show how quickly things can spiral, especially when someone infectious gets on a plane, which is exactly what happened in this case.
This Colorado cluster now totals six linked cases:
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4 people from a flight (3 Coloradans, 1 out-of-state)
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2 El Paso County residents who were at Denver International Airport during the exposure window
So yes, a single contagious traveler on a flight = half a dozen people infected. Wild.
Why This Matters (Even If You’re Vaccinated)
Even if you’ve got your shots, this story is a good reminder that community immunity matters. When enough people skip vaccines, it puts those who can’t be vaccinated, like infants or people with certain medical conditions, at serious risk.
Plus, let’s be real: no one wants a measles outbreak on top of everything else we’re already juggling these days.
What You Can Do
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Double-check your vaccine records (especially if you're not sure you got both doses of MMR).
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If you were at one of the locations above and feel sick, call your provider first.
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Share this info with friends or family in Colorado, especially near Grand Junction or Colorado Springs.
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Stay informed, not panicked. Measles is serious, but with awareness and action, it’s beatable.
Stay safe out there, and maybe use this as a moment to check in on your health game. A little prevention really does go a long way.