Measles

What is Measles (Rubeola)?

Measles is a highly contagious and acute respiratory viral disease. Measles is caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person and spreads easily through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than five years old and adults older than age 20.

Symptoms and Exposure 2026 Colorado measles case information

What is the MMR Vaccine?

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is safe and effective.
  • Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles and should provide life-long protection.
  • One dose of MMR is about 93% effective at preventing measles.
  • There are no proven links between MMR vaccination and autism in children.
     

How do I know if I’m vaccinated?

You can check your vaccine status online, reach out to your health care provider, or check with school systems you attended, they may have your vaccine history. If you have two documented doses of MMR, you are considered fully vaccinated. If you have one dose, you are protected, but can receive a second dose to further protect yourself.

Visit copublicportal.state.co.us for more information.
 

Where Can I Get a Vaccine?

If you are not fully immunized and are in need of either starting the vaccination process or receiving an additional dose as directed, please contact:

  • Your health care provider
  • Local pharmacies
  • The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment
     

Do I Need a Booster?

If you have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine:
No, you do not need another dose of MMR vaccine.
If you were born between 1957 and 1989 and received 1 dose of the MMR vaccine:
An additional dose of MMR will increase your protection and is recommended.
If you were born between 1963 and 1967 and received an inactivated measles vaccine:
You should get at least one additional dose of the current MMR vaccine to be considered immunized.

Am I Immune?

Adults:

  • Having documentation of one dose of live, measles virus-containing vaccine, or
  • Having two doses for most people in the following special populations:
    • Healthcare personnel
    • International travelers
    • Post-secondary education students
    • Close contacts of immunocompromised people
    • People with HIV without evidence of severe immunosuppression
  • Having documentation of lab tests that show past measles infection or immunity to measles (IgG test with quantitative results), or
  • Birth before 1957. Most people born in any country before 1957 are likely to have been infected with measles and are considered protected.

Children:

  • Two doses of MMR vaccine:
    • First dose at 12–15 months of age
    • Second dose at 4–6 years of age (before kindergarten entry)
  • Makeup doses should be given at least 28 days apart

Protection for Children

Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for children. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. If the child did not receive the first dose at 12-15 months, they can be vaccinated at any time, and receive a second dose 28 days later.

  • Children between 6 and 12 months of age who are traveling internationally or to areas with a current measles outbreak may discuss early vaccination with the first dose of MMR with their child’s healthcare provider.
    • These children should still get 2 additional doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection.
  • MMR vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Children 12 months through 12 years of age might receive MMR vaccine together with varicella vaccine in a single shot, known as MMRV.

Where people can get more information about the topic?

For more information about measles, contact your healthcare provider or click one of the links below for additional facts and to check your vaccination record. 

Guidance for Healthcare Providers

CDPHE Measles Resources

Providers with patients reporting exposures or suspected measles cases should immediately contact public health for further guidance:

  • During business hours: 303-692-2700
  • After hours: 303-370-9395

⚠️ Do not wait until laboratory results are available before reporting suspected measles cases.

Click here for Communicable diseases and conditions that must be reported by laboratories and  Communicable disease and conditions that must be reported by health care providers, health care facilities, veterinarians, and additional reporters.

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How does Measles spread?

Measles is very contagious.

  • Breathing/Inhalation of contaminated air.
  • Infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left.
  • Anyone who is not vaccinated against Measles is at risk.
  • A person can be infectious for four days before to four days after rash appears.

Symptoms:

Symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after contact with the virus.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Red/Watery Eyes
  • Rash

The rash typically starts on the head along the hairline and then spreads to the trunk and lower extremities.

When should I reach out to a healthcare provider?

  • If you think you have measles.
  • If you have been in contact with someone who has measles.

How to protect yourself?

  • All individuals born after 1957 should protect themselves with the vaccine.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is safe and effective.
  • Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
  • One dose of MMR is about 93% effective at preventing measles.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Disinfect touched surfaces frequently.

How to protect others if diagnosed with Measles?

  • If you suspect you have measles, contact your medical provider immediately.
  • If you have measles, stay home and away from others for at least four days after you develop the rash.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.
  • Disinfect touched surfaces frequently.
  • Nine out of 10 people nearby or exposed to an infected person will become infected if they are not protected.