A Pueblo resident who lately traveled to Mexico is now Colorado’s first confirmed case of measles since 2023, public well being officers mentioned Monday.
The particular person lately visited an space with an ongoing measles outbreak and was not vaccinated, the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Surroundings mentioned in a information launch.
Individuals who went to the Southwest Deli and Cafe in south Pueblo between March 17 and 21 and the Southern Colorado Clinic in Pueblo West from 3:30 to six p.m. on March 22 could have been uncovered to measles, state officers mentioned.
Anybody who was probably uncovered ought to monitor themselves for signs for 21 days and contemplate avoiding public gatherings.
Measles is extremely contagious and may trigger a excessive fever, cough, runny nostril, watery eyes, tiny white spots contained in the mouth and a rash, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Issues can embody pneumonia and encephalitis.
Anybody who was uncovered and begins to develop signs ought to instantly name their physician, an pressing care middle or emergency division.
Measles circumstances in the USA are on observe to surpass 2024 numbers, and a toddler in Texas died from measles in February, marking the primary pediatric demise since 2003. The final grownup demise from measles was in 2015.
Measles is each extraordinarily contagious and extremely preventable with a vaccine, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy mentioned in a press release.
“The MMR vaccine offers wonderful safety and helps stop outbreaks just like the one we’re seeing globally,” she mentioned. “We urge Coloradans to assessment their vaccination standing and take steps to guard themselves, their households and their communities.”
The vaccine can also stop an infection if given inside 72 hours of being uncovered, in line with state officers.
It is a growing story and could also be up to date.
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