{"id":15378,"date":"2025-11-13T10:07:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T17:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/measles-case-identified-in-montezuma-county\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T03:46:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:46:42","slug":"measles-case-identified-in-montezuma-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/measles-case-identified-in-montezuma-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Measles case identified in Montezuma County"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Southwest
Southwest Open School in Cortez. (The Journal file photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

A case of measles has been identified in a student enrolled at Southwest Open School, prompting the school\u2019s temporary closure and a public health investigation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe student, who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, developed symptoms after returning from out-of-state travel to an area experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak,\u201d according to a news release Wednesday afternoon from Vicki Shaffer, Montezuma County public information officer.<\/p>\n

The Montezuma County Public Health Department is working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate the case and trace any contact the student might have had, the statement said.<\/p>\n

A press release from CDPHE Wednesday said that those possibly exposed to the measles case includes people in Cortez and Mancos.<\/p>\n

Katri Rittenhouse, Southwest Open School\u2019s executive director, said in an email that others at SWO might have been exposed. The school will remain closed for the rest of the week, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe place student and staff safety as our highest priority, with the recommendation of the public health office SWOS will be closed for the rest of this week (Nov. 12 and 13) while we complete recommended cleaning and monitoring,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Rittenhouse said families have been notified.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeasles is here. Know your vaccination status, and if you have questions, let us help,\u201d said Bobbi Lock, county health department director, in a statement.<\/p>\n

As of Oct. 15, CDPHE has reported<\/a> 31 cases of measles across eight counties in Colorado. This case is Montezuma County\u2019s first this year, bringing the state health office\u2019s number up to 32.<\/p>\n

Twenty of those cases were in adults. Five were reported in children ages 0\u20134, and six in those ages 5\u201317. Of the 31 cases, 23 involved Colorado residents who were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.<\/p>\n

CDPHE reports that just over 91.3% of Colorado residents ages 1-18 have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, while just over 72.5% have received two. In Montezuma County, the rates are 94.1% for one dose and 72.5% for two doses.<\/p>\n

New Mexico reported an outbreak of 100 cases across nine counties from February to September, according to the state\u2019s public health department<\/a>. One resulted in death.<\/p>\n

\n

How to stay safe<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Exposure and quarantine guidance<\/strong>Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles must quarantine for 21 days to prevent transmission. Vaccination during quarantine won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/strong>Measles 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<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This is a developing story and updates will be provided. <\/em><\/p>\n

This story was updated Thursday morning to add additional details provided by CDPHE.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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