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Health officials confirm measles case in person who traveled to Huerfano County

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 3:17 GMT by KKTV11
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Health Officials Confirm a Measles Case in Huerfano County After Traveler Arrives

October 17, 2025 – Pueblo, Colorado

Health authorities in Huerfano County confirmed the first measles case in the region following the arrival of a person who had recently traveled to an area with an ongoing outbreak. The patient, a 12‑year‑old girl who had visited a nearby state before returning to the county, exhibited classic measles symptoms two days after her return. The case was identified during routine surveillance at a local pediatric clinic, prompting a rapid response from the county’s Department of Health (C-DOH) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

How the Case Was Detected

The child presented with a high fever, a red rash that began on the face and spread to the body, conjunctivitis, and a cough. When the parents mentioned that their daughter had recently visited the neighboring city of Alamosa—an area experiencing an uptick in measles infections—the clinic’s staff promptly reported the case to the C-DOH. A nasopharyngeal swab was collected and sent to the Colorado State Laboratory for PCR testing, which confirmed the presence of the measles virus.

The rapid confirmation allowed local officials to initiate contact tracing immediately. According to the C-DOH spokesperson, the patient was not fully vaccinated: she had received only one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, whereas the CDC recommends two doses for complete protection. The patient’s incomplete immunization status made her susceptible to infection and highlights ongoing gaps in vaccination coverage.

Public Health Response

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed the case and called for a coordinated effort to prevent secondary transmission. Key actions taken include:

1. Contact Tracing – Public health workers interviewed the patient’s classmates, teachers, and household members to identify anyone who might have been exposed. Those identified as close contacts are receiving instructions on monitoring symptoms and receiving the MMR vaccine if they are not already fully immunized.

2. Vaccination Campaign – A drive to administer the second dose of MMR vaccine is underway at the Huerfano County Community Health Clinic. The clinic is also offering free vaccination to uninsured individuals, in line with the CDC’s guidance for measles outbreaks.

3. Public Information – A press briefing was held on the evening of the confirmation, where the county health director urged parents to verify their children’s vaccination status and to report any rash illnesses promptly. The briefing also emphasized that measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe complications, especially in infants and pregnant women.

4. School Precautions – Schools in the area are on alert. Huerfano Elementary School is temporarily closed for an additional 21 days, the standard quarantine period for measles exposure, to ensure no secondary cases emerge among students or staff.

5. Travel Advisories – While no travel restrictions were imposed, the CDPHE issued a travel advisory recommending that individuals traveling to regions with measles outbreaks receive the MMR vaccine. For those returning from high‑risk areas, health officials advise self‑monitoring for symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, and conjunctivitis.

Context of the Outbreak

This case comes amid a resurgence of measles in the southwestern United States. According to the CDC’s latest surveillance data, as of mid‑October 2025, there were 1,237 confirmed measles cases in Colorado, with the majority in the 10–24 age group—most of whom were not fully vaccinated. The trend mirrors national concerns about vaccine hesitancy and the erosion of herd immunity, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The Huerfano County case was the first confirmed in the county since the state’s most recent measles outbreak in 2019. The local health department’s quick detection and response are praised by public health experts as exemplary, preventing a potentially larger spread.

Vaccination Facts and Resources

• Measles Transmission: Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
• Vaccine Effectiveness: Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 % effective at preventing measles infection. A single dose offers only about 93 % protection.
• Side Effects: Mild side effects may include fever, rash, and soreness at the injection site. Severe reactions are exceedingly rare.
• Where to Get Vaccinated: Residents can access free or low‑cost MMR vaccination at local health clinics, hospitals, and mobile vaccination units. For more details, visit the CDPHE’s measles vaccination page.

Links to Followed in the Original Article

1. CDC Measles Overview – https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
   Provides comprehensive information on measles symptoms, transmission, and vaccination.

2. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – https://cdphe.colorado.gov/
   Offers state‑wide guidelines and resources for measles prevention and control.

3. Huerfano County Health Department – https://www.huerfanohealth.org/
   Local public health services, contact tracing, and vaccination scheduling.

4. Measles Vaccine Information – https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/measles-factsheet.html
   Detailed factsheet on MMR vaccine recommendations and safety.

5. Travel Advisory for Measles – https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/measles
   Guidance for travelers regarding measles risk and vaccination.

The Bottom Line

The confirmation of a measles case in Huerfano County underscores the ongoing need for vigilant vaccination coverage and rapid public health response. While measles can be prevented with a simple two‑dose vaccine, gaps in immunization still create pockets of susceptibility. The county’s swift action—contact tracing, vaccination outreach, and public education—helps protect the community and aligns with national efforts to eliminate measles as a public health threat. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are urged to verify that all children are up to date on the MMR vaccine and to stay informed about local health advisories.