A measles outbreak is spreading in Colorado, with at least one household relative infected by an infant too young to be vaccinated who caught the virus while traveling to Mexico. According to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), the risk of exposure to the general public from this latest case is nil.
As of Friday, there have been a total of 800 confirmed cases nationwide, with Colorado reporting its fourth outbreak this year. The majority of these cases are not in Denver, but rather in other parts of the state and across multiple states due to travel.
Despite an increase in cases compared to previous years, health officials stress that measles can be prevented through vaccination. A single dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection against measles, while a second dose boosts this number to 97%. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12-15 months and their second dose between 4-6 years.
Denver health officials advise families traveling internationally to consider vaccinating their babies at six months of age. They also recommend that older children, adolescents, and adults receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine if they don’t have evidence of immunity.
Colorado’s immunization database can be accessed online to check vaccination status, while people born before 1957 are generally considered immune. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status or need advice on how to protect yourself, consult with your healthcare provider first.
Source: https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/denver/denvers-second-measles-case-of-the-year-found-in-adult-relative-of-unvaccinated-infant