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| source : chieftain.com |
I didn’t expect to be writing about measles in 2025, but here we are.
This week, health officials in Colorado confirmed two new cases of measles, yes, that highly contagious disease we thought we left behind decades ago thanks to vaccines. Unfortunately, it's making a quiet but serious comeback, and it’s not just a problem for “other people.”
Let’s break down what’s happening, and more importantly, how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What’s Going On?
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the first case involves a child under 5 years old from El Paso County. The child had recently traveled with family to Ontario, Canada, currently facing an active measles outbreak. While the child had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, it usually takes two doses to offer full protection. That’s an important reminder in itself.
The second case? An unvaccinated adult from Arapahoe County who happened to be at Denver International Airport on May 13, during the same window an out-of-state traveler was present while infectious. That brings the total to eight measles cases linked to that single exposure period.
Where and When Could People Have Been Exposed?
Here’s a rundown of places where public exposure may have happened, if you were in any of these spots, mark your calendar and keep an eye out for symptoms for 21 days after your visit:
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Powers Pointe Urgent Care, Colorado Springs
June 3, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monitor through: June 24 -
HCA HealthONE Aurora ER
June 5, 4:55 to 10:05 p.m.
Monitor through: June 26 -
Safeway, S. Buckley Rd, Aurora
June 6, 4:00 to 6:15 p.m.
Monitor through: June 27 -
St. Francis Medical Center ER, Colorado Springs
June 7, 9:30 to 10:50 a.m.
Monitor through: June 28 -
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital ER
June 7, 2:00 to 4:10 p.m.
Monitor through: June 28
If you were at any of these locations, especially if you’re unvaccinated or immunocompromised, this is a good time to take precautions: limit exposure to public places, monitor for symptoms, and consider contacting your healthcare provider.
Wait, What Does Measles Even Look Like?
Measles symptoms don’t always appear immediately. They typically begin with what feels like a cold, fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then comes the giveaway: a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward.
Here’s the kicker: measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. If one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to them who aren’t immune will get it too.
Why This Matters (Even If You're Vaccinated)
Even if you’ve been vaccinated, you should care. Here’s why:
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The first MMR dose offers about 93% protection, but the second dose bumps that up to 97%. That child from El Paso County had only one dose, one dose isn’t enough.
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Vaccinated individuals who do contract measles tend to have milder symptoms and are less likely to spread it. That’s a big deal when it comes to preventing outbreaks.
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Some people, like infants, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems, can’t get vaccinated and rely on the rest of us to protect them.
What You Can Do Right Now
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Check your vaccine records. If you or your children haven’t had two doses of the MMR vaccine, now’s the time.
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Monitor for symptoms if you were in any of the public places mentioned.
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Stay home if you're sick, and get tested if you suspect anything.
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Educate, don’t shame. Vaccine conversations can be hard. Lead with compassion, not judgment.
Bottom line: Measles is preventable. We have the tools. We just need to use them, individually and collectively. If you’ve ever shrugged off public health alerts or thought, “That won’t happen here” this is the sign to take them seriously.
Stay safe, stay informed, and protect each other.