The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Tri-County Health Department and Denver Public Heath issued a warning over possible exposure to the measles among individuals who may have been in certain parts of the Denver-Boulder area from Dec. 21 to 29, 2016.
The warning was issued after official identified a case of the measles in an unvaccinated adult who contracted the virus while traveling internationally. While the virus is rare in the U.S., many countries around the world continue have large numbers of cases.
"It is important to make sure you are protected against measles, especially when traveling outside the U.S. Vaccination is the only effective preventive measure against measles," said Larry Wolk, MD, executive director and CMO of CDPHE. "Children as young as six months old can receive a vaccination for protection, and adults should make sure they are protected too."
Measles is a respiratory illness that can be easily spread to those without immunity. Common indicators of infection include fever, runny nose, cough and a rash that spreads all over the body. Measles can sometimes cause serious illness such as pneumonia or encephalitis. The condition can be fatal. Symptoms of measles can take up to 21 days to manifest.
To see a list of possible locations of exposure, click here.
More articles on infection control:
Arkansas mumps outbreak sees decline in new cases
Common viral infections in children linked to type 1 diabetes
Study: Common viruses' outbreak proves challenging in Tennessee-based long-term care facility