A third person in El Paso County has tested positive for measles, prompting urgent warnings from health authorities and the identification of yet another public exposure site in Colorado Springs.
The latest case is tied to a growing outbreak stemming from an out-of-state traveler who was contagious while flying into Denver International Airport last month. Officials now say seven people have been infected, including three local residents, heightening concern across Colorado communities.
Denver Airport Outbreak Ripple Effect
This isn’t an isolated case. According to state and local health agencies, the three El Paso County residents likely contracted the virus at Denver International Airport on May 14. That same exposure also led to four additional cases—three among Colorado residents and one out-of-state traveler.
It’s not just the spread that’s worrisome, it’s the circumstances.
Two of the original El Paso County patients were unvaccinated. Their exposure occurred during a time when they, and others, might not have even known the risk they were facing just by walking through an airport terminal.
One sentence can’t cover how serious this is.
New Exposure Site Identified in Colorado Springs
Late Monday, public health officials released an updated list of locations where residents may have been exposed to the virus. These include everyday spots like grocery stores and gas stations—places anyone could’ve visited.
Among the newly flagged locations:
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Single Barrel Bar and Grill, 5885 Stetson Hills Blvd. #120, Colorado Springs
Friday, May 30 from 6:00 to 11:30 p.m.
This was added to a growing list that already included Love’s Travel Stop in Grand Junction, the Maverick Gas Station in Colorado Springs, and King Soopers on Uintah Street.
Health experts are asking anyone who visited these places during the specified times to:
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Watch for symptoms for 21 days.
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Avoid crowded public spaces if unvaccinated or unsure of immunity.
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Call a health provider—not walk in—if symptoms show up.
Symptoms Can Take Time to Show
What makes measles tricky—and frankly dangerous—is how long it can hang around unnoticed. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room. That’s enough time for dozens of people to unknowingly get exposed.
And the symptoms?
They usually start like a regular cold. Fever. Runny nose. Cough. Maybe some red eyes. But then comes the rash. It usually begins on the face and spreads downward over the body like wildfire.
One paragraph isn’t enough for the seriousness of this.
Vaccination Status in Spotlight Again
At the center of this outbreak is a common thread: lack of vaccination.
The MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella—is widely available, highly effective, and recommended for nearly everyone.
Here’s what the data says:
| Group | MMR Vaccination Rate (Colorado, 2024) | WHO Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten children | 91.6% | 95% |
| Teens (13-17 years) | 87.2% | 95% |
| Adults (18-49, no history) | Unclear | Unknown |
Falling just short of the 95% mark may not seem like a big deal. But it is. That’s the threshold for herd immunity. When vaccination dips below that, even a single imported case can snowball fast—as we’re seeing now.
Local Response Under Pressure
El Paso County Public Health isn’t taking chances. They’ve been working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to track down every possible contact and share public exposure notices in real time.
Still, the mood is tense.
Residents in Colorado Springs say they’re feeling uneasy. “I was at King Soopers that morning,” said Erin Wells, a mother of two. “Now I’m just waiting, hoping nothing happens. My kids are vaccinated, but I’m still anxious.”
Public health staff are also fielding calls from people who don’t have a regular doctor or aren’t sure what to do. Their advice? Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse—call ahead, explain the situation, and get medical help if needed.
A Wake-Up Call Beyond El Paso County
Even though the confirmed cases are all tied to one traveler and one airport visit, health experts say this outbreak should be a red flag for everyone in Colorado—and beyond.
The reality is, air travel makes infectious diseases more mobile than ever.
You’re standing in line for coffee. Or touching the same kiosk screen. Or seated next to someone on a two-hour flight. That’s all it takes.
“We’re not trying to scare people,” said Dr. Tara Fields from CDPHE. “We’re trying to remind them how important it is to protect themselves and their communities. Vaccination is the best tool we have.”
