Three individuals have confirmed cases of measles linked to exposure on a Turkish Airlines flight that arrived in Denver on May 13, according to health officials. An infectious traveler on the flight, along with a vaccinated adult and a child under five, constitute the three cases reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Health authorities have identified six “known exposure locations” visited by these individuals while contagious, including restaurants, a gym, and various shops. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that measles is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, posing a risk to others in those settings.
Officials are urging anyone who frequented the identified locations during the exposure period to be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash, which can manifest up to 21 days after exposure. They recommend contacting a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop and suggest avoiding public gatherings or high-risk environments.
Taking a proactive approach, health officials emphasize the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which offers robust protection against measles. Vaccination significantly mitigates the chances of a person contracting the disease, and even in the rare instances when vaccinated individuals do become infected, their symptoms are generally milder, reducing the likelihood of spreading the virus to others.
The recent outbreak is part of a concerning trend, with an uptick in reported measles cases in the U.S. This year alone has seen three fatalities attributed to measles, with a total of 1,088 confirmed cases reported.
Despite the challenges posed by this disease, the emphasis on vaccination represents hope for community health and safety. By increasing vaccination rates, we can better protect ourselves, our families, and those around us from preventable diseases like measles.