A vaccinated adult from Boulder contracted measles and is the 15th confirmed case in the state of Colorado this year. The individual recently returned to the United States from a trip to Europe. The person rode the Flatiron Flyer bus on June 3, June 5, and June 6, twice each day. The bus runs between Denver and Boulder.
In addition to the Flatiron Flyer, there are several potential exposure points that have been shared by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The infected individual also spent some time at three Denver locations: the Market Building at 1400 16th Street, the Little Finch Cafe & Bakery, and Whole Foods. The individual also spent time at Rosetta Hall in Boulder.
The CDPHE said symptoms may develop between now and June 27 for individuals who have spent time at one of these locations during the exposure period.
Colorado and the greater United States are experiencing a high rate of measles contractions this year, with 1,197 reported cases in the U.S. so far. Twelve percent of reported cases have ended with hospitalization and there have been three total reported deaths. There were 285 reported cases last year nationwide. The previous high was in 2019, with a total of 1,274 cases.
This year’s Colorado statistics show three hospitalizations from measles out of 15 total cases. Six of the cases occurred in fully-vaccinated individuals, one who received a single dose of the MMR vaccine, and eight with unknown status or who were unvaccinated.
People who think they may have been exposed should monitor potential symptoms. The CDC says the first symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 14 days after infection, which usually includes high fever (possibly over 104 degrees), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a measles rash begins to appear.
CDPHE has a continually-updated list of potential exposure locations that are gathered through contact tracing.
