Colorado health officials are warning of new measles exposures after confirming two additional cases — one in a Mesa County resident and another involving a traveler at Denver International Airport (DIA).
On Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed an adult Mesa County resident had contracted measles. By Monday, officials verified a second case in another adult resident, whose vaccination status is unknown. Both individuals may have shared the same exposure source.
Mesa County Public Health is investigating and noted that the first case had no connection to other recent exposures in Colorado and had not traveled outside the state.
CDPHE also confirmed a possible measles exposure at DIA’s Concourse C on Aug. 12, when an out-of-state traveler with measles arrived at Gate C51 and later boarded another flight at Gate C50.
“This incident serves as a reminder that travel in crowded public spaces, such as airports, increases the risk of exposure to various communicable diseases. It is important for everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations, especially before traveling,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist.
This marks the second possible measles exposure reported at DIA in 2025. Earlier this year, at least seven cases were linked to a Turkish Airlines flight.
Health officials stress that measles is highly contagious but two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing infection.
Exposure Sites Reported by CDPHE
Officials released the following potential exposure locations and timeframes:
| Location | Date/Time | Monitor for Symptoms Until |
|---|---|---|
| Enjoy Church, 720 Grand Ave., Grand Junction | Sunday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Aug. 31 |
| Jimmy John’s, 2502 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction | Sunday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Aug. 31 |
| Appleton Clinic, 607 25 Rd. #201, Grand Junction | Monday, Aug. 11, 1:30–4:40 p.m. | Sept. 1 |
| Chick-fil-A, 522 Bogart Ln., Grand Junction | Monday, Aug. 11, 3–9 p.m. | Sept. 1 |
| Denver International Airport, Concourse C | Tuesday, Aug. 12, 4:30–7 p.m. | Sept. 2 |
| Maverik Gas Station, 1103 US-50, Fruita | Tuesday, Aug. 12, 5–7:30 p.m. | Sept. 2 |
| McDonald’s, 1212 North Ave., Grand Junction | Tuesday, Aug. 12, 5:30–9 p.m. | Sept. 2 |
| Appleton Clinic, Grand Junction | Wednesday, Aug. 13, 10:50 a.m.–1:40 p.m. | Sept. 3 |
| Appleton Clinic, Grand Junction | Friday, Aug. 15, 1:54–5 p.m. | Sept. 5 |
What to Do if Exposed
Measles symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads.
Anyone who visited these locations during the listed times should:
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Monitor for symptoms until the end of the exposure window.
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Avoid public gatherings and high-risk settings if symptoms develop.
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Call a healthcare provider before visiting to prevent further spread.
CDPHE data shows 21 measles cases reported in Colorado so far in 2025, compared to the last confirmed case prior to this year in December 2023. Most cases occur after travel or in under-vaccinated communities.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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