As we reported last week, and as many in our community can attest to, a number of illnesses are continuing to make their rounds.
Local health officials have reported high levels of flu and RSV, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists that flu activity is high in Colorado (although down from very high as it’s been for weeks).
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports flu and RSV hospitalizations continue to be elevated, with COVID hospitalizations trending down.
Local officials are also preparing for the potential of more illnesses — including measles — to be added to the mix in the coming weeks as spring breakers make their way to Pagosa Country for some fun and relaxation and Pagosans set out on their own vacations.
That means it’s a really good time to remember that we need to take care of ourselves and each other.
We need to remember to treat everyone with respect while at the same time being prepared and knowing what risks are.
According to the CDPHE, there are currently no reported cases of measles in Colorado, and the agency is closely monitoring the ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
The CDC reports that, as of Feb. 27, there were 164 measles cases were reported by nine jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas. There has been one death in 2025 due to measles.
We know that group of jurisdictions has grown.
Measles, the CDPHE outlines, “is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. People with measles can spread the illness four days before the rash starts until four days after. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7 to 21 days. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective against measles.”
We also want to remind people that, although an illness may be mild for you or you may have the best protection available to prevent severe illness, how it may affect others can’t always be predicted, and we each need to do our part to prevent spread.
We have friends who can come down with a common cold virus and not miss a beat, and others who are fighting hard to avoid hospitalization from that same virus.
Please, do what you can to keep your germs to yourself and practice good hygiene.
The CDC recommends the following core prevention strategies against respiratory illness:
Staying up to date with immunizations.
Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Taking steps for cleaner air such as bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.
When you may have a respiratory virus, the CDC recommends:
Taking precautions to prevent spread.
Seeking health care “promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.”
Stay well.
