A public health sign warning visitors of measles symptoms appears on the entrance to Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez, seen late November. (Benjamin Rubin/The Journal)
A public health sign warning visitors of measles symptoms appears on the entrance to Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez, seen late November. (Benjamin Rubin/The Journal)

A case of measles has been identified in a Montezuma County youth, the second since a case was reported in a school-age student in mid-November.

“The child, who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, has no known connection to recent exposures reported in Colorado, including another recent case in Montezuma County, and has not traveled outside the state,” according to a joint news release from the county public health department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“The lack of a clear source of infection suggests that unidentified measles cases may be occurring in or traveling through the Cortez area.”

Officials said anyone at Cold Stone Creamery, 215 S. Sligo St., on Nov. 26 between 3:30 and 6 p.m. may have been exposed.

“If you were there, watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider, urgent care, or emergency department before going in, and tell them you may have been exposed to measles.”

The earlier case involved a Southwest Open School student, prompting a temporary closure. That student was also unvaccinated but had traveled out of state, unlike the recent case.

As of Friday, CDPHE reported 33 cases of measles in nine counties in Colorado. Mesa County leads with 11 cases, followed by Arapahoe County with five.

Twenty cases were in adults, six in children ages 0-4, and seven in ages 5-17. Of the 33 cases, 25 involved residents who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Statewide, 91.3% of residents ages 1-18 have received at least one MMR dose, and 72.4% have received two. In Montezuma County, rates are 94.3% for one dose and 79.3% for two.

New Mexico reported 100 cases across nine counties from February to September, including one death, according to its public health department.

How to stay safe

The Montezuma County Public Health Department can assist residents with verifying vaccination status and offers MMR vaccinations Monday through Thursday, in addition to its regular Wednesday clinic. Call ahead before visiting. If needed, staff may provide curbside service.

Exposure and quarantine guidanceUnvaccinated individuals exposed to measles must quarantine for 21 days to prevent transmission. Vaccination during quarantine won’t shorten the 21-day period but may prevent future quarantines. In group settings such as schools, each new exposure resets the 21-day quarantine for unvaccinated individuals.

SymptomsMeasles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward. If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures. For questions about measles exposure, symptoms or vaccinations, contact the Montezuma County Public Health Department at (970) 565-3056.Source: Montezuma County Public Health Department