Attention to all Coloradans who visited an RV park or hospital in Gunnison County during mid-July: a visitor from out of state has been diagnosed with measles. It is important to watch for symptoms if you were at the following locations:
- Taylor Park Trading Post, located at 23044 County Road 742, Almont, between 4 and 7 p.m. on July 12. Symptoms could appear up to Aug. 2.
- Gunnison Valley Health Hospital, situated at 711 N. Taylor St., Gunnison, between 3 p.m. on July 16 and 10 a.m. on July 17. Symptoms could manifest up to Aug. 8.
If you were present at any of these places during the specified times, it is advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical assistance if any develop. Contacting the clinic or emergency room beforehand can help prevent further exposures.
Measles symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face. The rash usually appears around four days after becoming contagious.
Getting two doses of the measles vaccine can decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus by approximately 97%. If vaccinated within three days of exposure, the risk of becoming ill can also be reduced, although not as significantly as being vaccinated well in advance.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has not disclosed any information about the visitor.
Colorado has reported a total of 16 measles cases this year, with four individuals requiring hospitalization but no fatalities. Most cases involved individuals who acquired the virus while traveling abroad or were in close proximity to a contagious person during a flight.
On average, the state typically sees two or fewer cases of measles in a year.
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Originally Published:
