Possible Measles Exposure in Mesa County Triggers Public Health Monitoring

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Health officials in Mesa County are investigating a possible measles exposure after an unvaccinated adult from El Paso County visited a popular travel stop in Grand Junction on May 27.

According to Mesa County Public Health (MCPH), the individual passed through the Love’s Travel Stop and Carl’s Jr. at 748 22 Road between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. that evening. Authorities now warn that anyone who visited the location during that window may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Health Officials: Risk of Outbreak Low

Alli Howe, Chief Health Strategist for MCPH, sought to reassure the public, stating that there is currently no evidence of a wider outbreak in Mesa County.

“We have ongoing relationships with our school districts and our hospitals—places where people congregate. But to date, this potential exposure is the only one we have in Mesa County,” Howe said.

Health agencies are working in close coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and local businesses to monitor the situation. Preventive measures are being reviewed, and public alerts have been issued to encourage symptom awareness.

Symptoms and What To Do

Officials urge anyone who was at the location during the exposure window to watch for symptoms, which typically appear 7–14 days after exposure. Key signs include:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, irritated eyes
A distinctive rash starting on the face and spreading

If symptoms develop, residents are advised to contact MCPH at (970) 254-4120 or consult with their healthcare provider. Those without a regular provider should call an urgent care facility and inform staff of the potential exposure before arrival.

Link to El Paso County Cases

This suspected exposure is connected to a broader measles investigation in Colorado. The unvaccinated adult from El Paso County is one of three individuals who likely contracted the disease at Denver International Airport on May 14, according to public health officials. The airport incident has now been linked to seven measles cases across multiple counties and states, all tied to an out-of-state traveler who was infectious while flying.

Related Exposure Sites Identified:

Maverick Gas Station, Colorado Springs (May 28)
King Soopers, Colorado Springs (May 31)
Single Barrel Bar & Grill, Colorado Springs (May 30)

These locations have also been listed by health departments as exposure points, and residents who visited any of them are urged to monitor symptoms and avoid public gatherings if unvaccinated.