Three confirmed cases of measles have emerged in Colorado, but health officials say it’s too early to declare an outbreak. The cases were reported in Pueblo, Denver, and Archuleta counties, with one infant case linked to a family’s trip to Mexico. Public health experts stress the importance of vaccination before traveling, particularly for infants under 12 months.
According to Bob Belknap, executive director of the public health institute at Denver Health, families should consult their doctor about getting vaccinated if they’ll be traveling internationally or to areas with known outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend delaying travel to areas with measles outbreaks until vaccination is complete.
Colorado’s state epidemiologist cautions that low vaccination rates may be contributing to the outbreak in Texas, where over 500 cases have been reported. Health officials emphasize that vaccines are extremely safe, with a 97% protection rate against measles.
Denver Health hosts vaccine clinics and offers free vaccinations for children under 18 years old. The next event is scheduled for April 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Place Bridge Academy.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/measles-colorado-no-outbreak-declared-cases-confirmed