Colorado reports measles case in Pueblo, not tied to ongoing Texas outbreak

The infection, in an unvaccinated adult, is reportedly tied to international travelColorado reported its first case of measles in a state resident in two years on Monday, but the infection is not tied to the ongoing outbreak that started in Texas.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said the new infection is in an adult from Pueblo who had recently traveled to an area in Mexico with a measles outbreak. The state said the person is unvaccinated.

CDPHE said people who had been at two specific locations in Pueblo two weeks ago may have been exposed to measles. Those locations are:The Southwest Deli and Cafe, 1873 S. Pueblo Blvd., on the dates of Monday, March 17, through Friday, March 21.
Southern Colorado Clinic, 109 South Burlington Dr., on Saturday, March 22, between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
People who were at those locations during those dates and times should monitor for symptoms of the virus and consider avoiding public gatherings for 21 days after their date of exposure. This is especially true for people who are not vaccinated against measles.

If people who were possibly exposed develop symptoms, they should call their doctor immediately — or an urgent care or emergency department if they don’t have a primary doctor.A CDPHE official also encouraged all Coloradans who are eligible and who are unvaccinated against measles to consider getting the vaccine.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is also highly preventable,” Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist, said in a statement. “The MMR vaccine provides excellent protection and helps prevent outbreaks like the one we are seeing globally. We urge Coloradans to review their vaccination status and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”Measles had been declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but it continued to circulate in other parts of the world. As a result, it is not uncommon for Colorado every couple years or so to see an infection in a resident who had traveled abroad.

The last case of measles reported in Colorado was in 2023.But state health authorities have been on alert for possible new measles cases in Colorado related to an outbreak that originated in Texas and has now spread to other states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. Fueled by that outbreak, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported nearly 500 cases of measles in the country so far this year.

Symptoms of measles start out about one to three weeks after exposure as fever, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes. Tiny white spots then may appear on the inside of the mouth, followed by the telltale rash of flat, red spots. The most severe infections, most commonly in children, can lead to pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death.The CDC and other health organizations advise that vaccination — which is 97% effective with two doses of the MMR vaccine — is the best prevention strategy.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, has touted vitamin A as a treatment for the disease. And while it does have a role — especially in treating those with a vitamin A deficiency — it is not considered a preventive therapy and taking too much can be toxic.Colorado Reports Measles Case in Pueblo, Unrelated to Texas Outbreak

Introduction Colorado health officials have confirmed a measles case in Pueblo County, marking the state’s first reported case of the disease in 2025. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the infection is not linked to the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, which has sparked concern among health experts. This new case underscores the importance of vaccination and public health measures to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases.

Case Details and Public Health Response The infected individual, whose identity has not been disclosed due to privacy laws, reportedly traveled internationally before developing symptoms. Local health officials are now conducting thorough contact tracing efforts to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) officials have urged those who may have come into contact with the patient to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. The department has also reminded the public that measles can be prevented through routine immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

What is Measles? Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and include:

High fever

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

White spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)

A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.

Texas Measles Outbreak Overview While the measles case in Pueblo is isolated, Texas has been grappling with a growing outbreak. As of the latest reports, over a dozen cases have been confirmed in the Lone Star State, with the outbreak mainly affecting unvaccinated individuals. Public health experts have raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy contributing to the resurgence of the disease in various parts of the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further outbreaks. The agency also warned that travelers who visit regions with active measles cases should ensure they are fully immunized before departure.

Vaccination and Prevention Efforts in Colorado Colorado health authorities have taken proactive steps to encourage vaccination and prevent the spread of measles. The state currently has laws requiring children to receive the MMR vaccine before entering school, though exemptions for medical and non-medical reasons exist.

Despite these mandates, Colorado has historically had one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in the country, raising concerns about potential outbreaks. Public health officials are urging parents and guardians to ensure their children receive both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given at 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years old.

Community Response and Awareness Local health organizations and medical professionals in Pueblo have been working to increase awareness about measles and the importance of vaccination. Community health clinics are offering free or low-cost vaccines to uninsured individuals to reduce barriers to immunization.

In addition, public health campaigns are being launched on social media and through local news outlets to educate residents about the symptoms of measles and the necessary steps to take if they suspect exposure.

Conclusion The confirmation of a measles case in Pueblo, while not tied to the Texas outbreak, serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. With measles cases on the rise in certain parts of the U.S., maintaining high vaccination rates remains essential to protecting public health.

Colorado residents are encouraged to stay informed, get vaccinated, and take necessary precautions to limit the spread of infectious diseases. As health officials continue monitoring the situation, increased community engagement and proactive health measures will play a crucial role in preventing further cases.