An individual from out of state, who was later confirmed to have measles, passed through Denver International Airport and stayed at a nearby hotel last week before boarding another flight, according to public health officials on Thursday.
The individual was infectious when they arrived at DIA’s international terminal on May 13, stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites for the night, and returned to the airport on May 14 to catch a domestic flight, as stated in a news release by Denver and Colorado public health officials.
State and local public health agencies will notify anyone who may have been exposed on either flight.
State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy emphasized the importance of vaccination in such situations and urged individuals to stay updated on vaccinations and be mindful of health risks while traveling.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing by an infected individual and can linger in the air for up to two hours, according to state officials.
Individuals who were present at the airport on the evening of May 13 or the morning of May 14, or at the Quality Inn located at 6890 Tower Road may have been exposed, according to Denver and Colorado public health officials.
Locations of known exposures include:
May 13:
- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., DIA gate A27, international customs, and international baggage claim 3 in the main terminal;
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Quality Inn and Suites hotel shuttle;
- 6:15 p.m. and later, Quality Inn and Suites lobby and elevator.
May 14:
- 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., Quality Inn and Suites lobby and elevator;
- 5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Quality Inn and Suites hotel shuttle to the airport;
- 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., DIA main terminal, train to gates and concourse B. Passenger departed from Gate B86.
Individuals present at these locations are advised to contact their healthcare provider, an urgent care center, or emergency department by phone immediately, as per state officials.
Symptoms of measles typically develop within one to three weeks after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually appears on the face a few days later and spreads.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in 11 states across the U.S., with over 1,000 cases documented, surpassing the previous year’s total recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2024.
Colorado reported its first confirmed case of measles since 2023 in Pueblo in March, with additional cases confirmed in Denver and Pueblo thereafter.
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