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| source : seattletimes.com |
I never thought I'd be writing this in 2025, but here we are, measles is making headlines again. And if you’ve passed through Denver International Airport (DIA) recently or stopped by a gas station or grocery store in Colorado, you might want to pay attention.
Health officials have now confirmed six measles cases linked to a recent international traveler who flew into Denver. Some of those cases include three Colorado residents, all infected from that one flight. It’s a sobering reminder of just how fast, and quietly, measles can spread.
Wait, Measles? Isn’t That Eliminated?
Yep, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000. But thanks to dropping vaccination rates, international travel, and plain old misinformation, it's creeping back.
The virus is ridiculously contagious, we’re talking up to 90% infection rate for anyone nearby who isn’t vaccinated. And it lingers in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left. So yes, just being in the same room hours later can be risky.
Where You Might’ve Been Exposed
So far, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and El Paso County Public Health have released a list of locations where you could have been exposed. If you were at any of these places around the listed time, you should monitor for symptoms through the dates mentioned.
| Location | Date & Time | Watch for Symptoms Until |
|---|---|---|
| Love’s Travel Stop / Carl’s Jr. (748 22 Rd, Grand Junction) | Tues, May 27 (6–10 PM) | June 17 |
| Maverik Gas Station (2588 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs) | Wed, May 28 (9–11:30 AM) | June 18 |
| King Soopers (1750 W Uintah St, Colorado Springs) | Sat, May 31 (8:30 AM–12:45 PM) | June 21 |
And, of course, if you were at DIA on May 14, especially around the Turkish Airlines Flight 201 arrival, keep an eye on your health.
What to Do If You Were There
If you visited any of those locations, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Health officials advise:
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Call your doctor before heading in (to avoid exposing others).
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Watch for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and the tell-tale rash.
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Avoid public places until you know you’re in the clear (21 days post-exposure).
Also, if you're not vaccinated and it’s within 72 hours of potential exposure, getting the MMR vaccine can still help prevent infection.
Let’s Talk About the Vaccine
Now I get it, vaccines are a hot topic these days. But the MMR vaccine is a powerhouse, offering 97% protection with just two doses. It's safe, effective, and has prevented thousands of deaths since it became standard.
This isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s also about safeguarding infants, people with immune disorders, and others who can’t get vaccinated. When you get your shot, you’re building a shield around your community.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to tune out public health alerts. We’re all busy, and the phrase “measles exposure” can feel like background noise. But this isn’t just another blip, it’s a real and rising threat.
Measles doesn’t wait for us to take it seriously. So if you were at any of the exposure sites listed, or know someone who was, share this info. A heads-up could make all the difference.