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 individuals 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.
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.
Measles: What to know and how to protect yourself
Vaccination and local resources
Montezuma County Public Health Department can verify vaccination records and offers immunizations. The department hosts a regular Wednesday clinic for immunizations, and in addition, offers MMR vaccinations Monday through Thursday during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They ask residents to call in advance for availability, costs and scheduling at (970) 565-3056.
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 Montezuma County Public Health Department at (970) 565-3056. For questions about exposure, symptoms or vaccinations, call the same number.
Source: Montezuma County Health Department, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
