The Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is providing an update following the confirmation of a single measles case in Archuleta
County, with out-of-state cases having been identified as being connected to the confirmed Archuleta County case.
The ACPHD wants to emphasize the confirmed Archuleta County case is considered an incident within the county and not an outbreak. According to public health definitions, an outbreak involves three or more connected cases. All Colorado measles cases investigated to date are not linked, indicating this incident is contained. The current situation in Archuleta County is classified as an incident because it involves only one confirmed case.
The additional cases that have been identified are out of state but connected to the Archuleta County case, which is why Colorado now meets the threshold of a measles outbreak.
Based on available information, anyone who was in the following locations during the dates and times listed may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
• Wolf Creek Ski Area, U.S. 160 East: Friday, March 28, all day. Saturday, March 29, all day. Sunday, March 30, all day.
• Pagosa Medical Group, 27B Talisman Drive, Unit 3: Monday, March 31, 9:05 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 3:45 to 6 p.m.
• City Market, 165 Country Center Drive: Monday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
We understand that news of a measles case can cause concern, and we want to reassure our community that we are working to reach out to individuals who we know may have been exposed to assess the risk and mitigate widespread transmission. Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it is also preventable with the MMR vaccine.
People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms seven to 21 days after exposure. We highly encourage you to call your medical provider immediately if you think you are having symptoms. Please follow their instructions before going into any clinic to help prevent further spread. If you are feeling sick with a fever, as always, please stay home from work/school. If fever is accompanied by dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background (often found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, referred to as Koplik's spots), or a skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another, please contact your provider right away.
If you are interested in vaccination, all medical providers and the ACPHD can provide MMR vaccines.
The ACPHD offers clinic hours on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call (970) 264-2409 prior to arrival.
The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose is about 93 percent effective, and two doses is about 97 percent effective against measles. Most people are protected for life after two doses.
• Children: The CDC recommends two doses of MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age.
• Adults: Most adults only need one dose of the MMR vaccine. However, some adults should ensure they have had two doses: health care workers and international travelers.
• Students attending colleges and other post-high school educational institutions.
Born before 1957? People born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease. However, in specific situations, health care facilities might consider vaccinating health care personnel born before 1957 who lack lab evidence of immunity.
If you are unsure of your immunity status, it is safe to receive the MMR vaccine.
Born between 1963 and 1967? The measles vaccine you received is considered ineffective and you will need a booster.
Born between 1957-1963, or, 1968-1989? You may need a booster. It is recommended you check with your health care provider.
Born after 1989? If you received two doses, your vaccines are considered effective.
We encourage all residents to ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please contact your health care provider or the ACPHD. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of measles.
The CDPHE Vaccine Van will be offering measles vaccines and boosters this Friday, April 18, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Pagosa Peak Open School, 3133 Cornerstone Drive. All ages are welcome.
The ACPHD will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.
The ACPHD is located at 502 S. 8 th St. in downtown Pagosa Springs.
