Measles Outbreak Hits Colorado: Key Exposure Sites Identified
For the first time this year, the state of Colorado is dealing with a measles outbreak. The health officials have traced the first three cases back to students from schools located in Broomfield.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
It's essential to be aware of the symptoms of measles, which can take up to three weeks to manifest. Early symptoms may not be specific to measles and can include a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. The distinctive rash associated with measles usually appears about four days after a person becomes contagious. This means that individuals can spread the virus unknowingly before they realize they are infected.
Identified Exposure Sites
The health department has identified 11 potential exposure sites in the towns of Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, and Westminster. If you visited any of the following places, you could have been exposed to the virus:
- A middle school on Daphne St. in Broomfield from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Symptoms could appear until mid-March.
- A high school on Eagle Way from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
- A grocery store on US-287 in Broomfield between 1-5 p.m. and between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Symptoms could appear until mid-March.
- A community center on Spader Way from 7:35-10:30 p.m. Symptoms could appear until mid-March.
- A pet store on Town Center Dr. in Westminster from 7:30-10 a.m. Symptoms could appear until mid-March.
- A Mexican restaurant on E. Cleveland St. in Lafayette from 5-10 p.m. Symptoms could appear until mid-March.
- An urgent care center on W. 144th Ave. in Broomfield from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
- A hospital emergency department on Destination Drive from 2:45-6 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
- A family medicine clinic on Centennial Parkway in Louisville from 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
- A fast-food restaurant on W. 121st Ave. in Broomfield from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
- A fast-food restaurant on W. 120th Ave. in Westminster from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Symptoms could appear until late March.
What To Do If You've Been Exposed
If you think you've been exposed to the virus and you start to develop symptoms, it's important to call your healthcare provider before going in for treatment. This helps prevent the further spread of the virus.
Preventing Measles
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of the measles vaccine can reduce the risk of infection by about 97%. Even if you haven't been vaccinated, you can still get some protection if you receive the vaccine within about three days of exposure to the virus.
Measles in Colorado
This year, Colorado has already confirmed four cases of measles. This is a significant increase compared to the past decade, with the state recording between zero and two cases each year. Last year, however, the state saw an alarming increase with 36 confirmed cases.