Passengers who utilized the Regional Transportation District’s Flatiron Flyer service between Boulder and Denver last week are urged to monitor for symptoms of measles after a contagious individual from Boulder County traveled this route six times. The unnamed person returned from a trip to Europe, marking the state’s 15th confirmed case of the year, as reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
This surge in measles cases in Colorado is notable, as it is the highest number the state has seen in decades, occurring in the wake of a severe outbreak in Texas and amidst rising cases worldwide of this highly transmissible illness.
Health officials confirmed that the infected Boulder County resident was an adult who had received full vaccinations. The measles vaccine, which requires two doses, is approximately 97% effective against the disease.
State health authorities are advising individuals to watch for symptoms for a period of 21 days, suggesting they avoid public events if they traveled on the following dates and times:
– RTD Flatiron Flyer between Denver and Boulder, round trip, from 6:45 to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 to 7:15 p.m. on June 3, June 5, and June 6.
– Market Building, 1400 16th St., Denver, from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on June 3-6.
– Little Finch Coffee Shop, 1490 16th St., Denver, from noon to 2:15 p.m. on June 4 and June 5.
– Whole Foods, 1701 Wewatta St., Denver, from noon to 2:30 p.m. on June 4.
– Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St., Boulder, from 7:30 to 10:45 p.m. on June 6.
Initial symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever, with a red rash typically appearing around four days after the individual becomes contagious. Symptoms can develop one to three weeks following exposure.
Those who experience symptoms after suspected contact are advised to contact their healthcare provider or an urgent care facility prior to visiting, in order to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.
In addition, Colorado has reported at least eight measles cases linked to Denver International Airport and a Turkish Airlines flight that arrived with a contagious individual on May 13. Additional cases have also emerged in Denver, Pueblo, and Archuleta County.
Historically, Colorado sees two or fewer cases of measles annually. The last instance of the state surpassing ten cases in a single year dates back to the 1990s.