Measles case confirmed in southwestern Colorado, possible exposures in Cortez, Mancos

People in Cortez and Mancos may have been exposed to the measles from a confirmed case in a school-aged child in Montezuma County, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The child developed measles symptoms after traveling to another part of Colorado with an ongoing measles outbreak, state officials said Wednesday night. They had not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

People who were in the towns of Cortez and Mancos between Nov. 5 and Tuesday may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms and consider avoiding public gatherings through Dec. 4, health officials said.

State officials did not provide specific exposure locations Wednesday and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Measles symptoms usually develop within seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that typically starts a few days later on the face before spreading.

Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their health care provider by phone to discuss next steps and prevent more exposures, public health officials said.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is largely prevented with two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Public health officials have confirmed 31 measles cases among Coloradans this year, according to a state dashboard last updated in October.

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