Montezuma County health officials confirmed two more measles cases Monday, bringing the county’s total to four and the statewide count to 36.
The two new cases were linked to contacts in an unvaccinated household tied to a previously confirmed case this fall. County officials said both people quarantined during their infectious periods, and no locations were identified where the public may have been exposed.
Additionally, the county and state health departments jointly released information about detecting traces of the measles virus in wastewater from the Cortez Sanitation District.
The county, working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said traces of the virus were found in wastewater samples collected Dec. 9 and Dec. 12.
“People infected with the measles virus may shed the virus in their urine before a rash appears and for several weeks after their rash appears, even though they are only contagious for four days before and four days after rash onset,” according to a news release from the county public health department.
County health officials said wastewater detection indicates that one or more people with a recent measles infection have been in the area.
CDPHE activated the Cortez Sanitation District as an emergency surveillance site after previous cases were confirmed.
La Plata County has not had any reports of measles cases, and the wastewater detection tests – regularly conducted at the Durango wastewater facility – have not detected any virus particles, said Theresa Anselmo, La Plata County Public Health director.
La Plata County Public Health operations will continue as usual, Anselmo said. At the moment, she is not worried about the virus spreading across county lines, but was assertive that the county is prepared to address any potential measles cases.
“We actually have been preparing for this since the Wolf Creek exposure over spring break last year,” she said.
A multitude of response plans are in place and the health department is in regular communication with neighboring counties and the state health department, she said. Any knowledge of a person with measles traveling into the area would be immediately communicated.
Another reassurance Anselmo gave: La Plata County has near the best vaccination rates possible for the required protection levels. A vaccination rate of 95% and above is considered the highest possible level of protection, and the county is at around 92% to 94% for the population.
Cortez County officials said measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness but is vaccine-preventable. The state department urged residents to stay up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, especially during the holiday season when gatherings and travel are common.
“Ensuring you are up to date on the MMR vaccine is critical to protecting vulnerable loved ones you may visit, including infants too young to be vaccinated and family members with weakened immune systems,” said Rachel Herlihy, state public health researcher and deputy chief medical officer, in a statement.
On Dec. 5, a second measles case was reported after an initial school-age positive case was found in mid-November.
Officials said the unvaccinated child in the Dec. 5 case was not connected to the first exposure or other statewide cases and had not traveled outside Colorado. The county health department suggested this shows measles may be circulating in or through the Cortez area undetected.
When the second case was reported, officials said anyone at Cold Stone Creamery, 215 S. Sligo St., on Nov. 26 between 3:30 and 6 p.m. may have been exposed. They urged potential exposures to watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, which could mean up until Wednesday.
The county’s first measles case this year involved a student at Southwest Open School, prompting a temporary closure and a public health investigation. That student was unvaccinated and had recently traveled out of state. However, public health officials warned that now measles cases are here, it is important to verify your vaccination status.
“If symptoms develop, call your health care provider, urgent care or emergency department before going in, and tell them you may have been exposed to measles,” the statement read. “This helps prevent further spread. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.”
After peaking at 100 cases, New Mexico health officials declared the measles outbreak over in September. They said it began in Lea County last February, likely from exposures to an outbreak in West Texas. Officials said 42 days passed without new cases, representing twice the virus’s maximum incubation period. However, the public health website suggested that with activity in other states and countries, the state anticipates continued isolated cases of measles.
Herald Staff Writer Jessica Bowman contributed to this report.
Measles: What to know and how to protect yourself
What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact. Transmission often occurs before people realize they are sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes airborne spread, which can happen up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A blotchy rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the neck, arms, torso, legs and feet.
Measles can cause serious complications, especially in infants, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia, hospitalization and, in severe cases, death.
How to protect against measles
The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, which health officials say is safe. Children may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk with your health care provider or contact La Plata County Public Health Department at (970) 828-8850. For questions about exposure, symptoms or vaccinations, call the same number.
Source: Montezuma County Health Department, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
