The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued a warning to the public related to a potential measles exposure incident at a Chaffee County gift shop, adding to another recent measles exposure that took place in a neighboring county.

According to a press release on the matter, an out-of-state resident has been confirmed to have measles during a visit to Colorado. At the time the press release was published, a known location of potential exposure to this individual was the Monarch Mountain at the Crest Gift Shop on July 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is located near the top of Monarch Pass, just outside of Salida.

Given the dates of potential exposure and how people exposed to measles tend to develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after an exposure, the CDPHE is advising those who may have been exposed at the gift shop to monitor for symptoms through at least August 15.

This adds to another similar case that also involved an out-of-stater potentially exposing the public to measles in recent weeks. In that case, exposure points were at the Taylor Park Trading Post in Almont (July 12) and the Gunnison Valley Health Hospital (July 16 to 17). Those potentially exposed in the prior case should monitor for symptoms through August 2 if exposed at the trading post and August 8 if exposed at the hospital.

Per the CDPHE, “symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.”

Those who have not gotten the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination who were at these location should be particularly aware of symptoms that may develop.

If anyone who was at one of these locations during the aforementioned dates notices symptoms of measles developing, CDPHE says to contact one’s health care provider by phone immediately. Those without a health care provider should call an urgent care center and make sure to note that measles exposure may be possible. Calling ahead instead of just showing up can help ensure precautions are taken to limit additional spread of the condition.

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