Health

Measles Information

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Measles is spreading in the U.S., including in states near Colorado. You can find the latest numbers of cases and outbreaks online here.

What is measles?

  • It is a virus that spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of someone that has measles.
  • Symptoms include a rash, cough, runny nose, irritated eyes, and fever.
  • But, it is not just a rash. Measles can cause serious problems like hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.
  • Measles is very contagious. If one person has it, almost everyone near them who is not protected will get it too. You can spread it before you even feel sick.
  • The virus can live in the air for up to two hours, and stay on surfaces.

What should you do?

  • Get vaccinated, if you are not already. The MMR vaccine protects you from measles, mumps, and rubella. It is a very effective vaccine.
  • Check your vaccination status. Make sure you and your family are up-to-date on your MMR shots.
  • If you are traveling to other countries or areas of the U.S. experiencing a measles outbreak, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated before your trip.
  • If you are not sure if you are immune, or have questions, contact your health care provider first.
  • For more information, you can also call the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) at 970-498-6767 (Clinic Services) or 970-498-6708 (Communicable Disease). You can also email LCDHE at measles@larimer.gov.

Measles (MMR) Vaccine Recommendations for Children


Routine: Two MMR or MMRV vaccine doses are recommended.

  • First dose: 12-15 months old.
  • Second dose: 4-6 years old.

Early dose for infants: 

  • An MMR vaccine dose is recommended for infants 6-11 months old before international travel or going to areas with measles outbreaks.
  • Two routine doses are still needed at 12 months and 4-6 years. 

MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Adults

You may not need an MMR vaccine if: 

  • Born before 1957 (except healthcare workers)
  • Born 1957 or later, low-risk, and already had at least one live measles vaccine dose
  • Have lab proof of immunity or past measles infection

You may need one dose:

  • Born 1957 or later, low-risk, and have no record of measles vaccine or immunity

You may need two doses:

  • High-risk adults with no record of measles vaccine or immunity. This includes:
    • Healthcare workers
    • International travelers (born 1957 or later)
  • College students
  • Those who got a measles vaccine between 1963-1967 and are unsure of the type, or know it was an inactivated vaccine 

Note: If you do not know if you have had the MMR vaccine or cannot find documentation, it is safe to get vaccinated again.
 

There are currently no cases of measles in Larimer County. The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is ready to respond to measles cases or outbreaks. If someone in Larimer County gets measles, LCDHE will work quickly to investigate the situation and help stop the spread of the disease.

LCDHE provides MMR vaccines at low or no cost to those:

  • who do not have health insurance
  • whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines
  • who have Medicaid
  • children who are American Indian or Alaska native

For more information about LCDHE's Immunization Clinic click here. 


FAQs

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  1. How contagious is measles?

    According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, measles is the most contagious virus known to humans. Each infected individual can potentially infect another 18 people, and they can each go on to infect another 18. This is why outbreaks can quickly go from 2 cases to 124 in just 1 month. 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will get measles. 

  2. Who is the most likely to get measles, if exposed?

    Unvaccinated people, those too young to be vaccinated (infants younger than 12 months), immunosuppressed individuals, and pregnant women are most at risk for measles.

  3. How do I find my vaccine records?

    If you do not have your vaccine records, you should check with your healthcare provider first. If you cannot find your vaccine records, getting re-vaccinated with the MMR vaccine is usually recommended over receiving a blood test to check for immunity. 

    If you or your children have received vaccines in Colorado, you may be able to access your vaccine records through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) public portal. 

  4. Do I need “booster” doses of measles vaccine (MMR) to prevent measles?

    People who have received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered to have life-long immunity. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about vaccination.

  5. Do I need to get checked for measles immunity if I have documentation of two vaccines?

    No, you are considered immune. 

  6. Do I need an MMR vaccine if I am travelling to an area with a known measles outbreak?

    If you are traveling to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak, it is recommended that you check your MMR vaccine status. If you are not immune, LCDHE encourages you to talk with your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine. 

  7. Can people who are vaccinated still get measles?

    According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective after 2 doses, but that leaves 3% who may not have made antibodies to the vaccine who can get measles.

  8. Does taking Vitamin A prevent measles?

    No, vitamin A does not prevent measles infection. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the only safe and effective way to prevent measles. It provides long-term immunity and is highly effective. High doses of Vitamin A can be toxic and cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, and even more serious problems. Vitamin A supplementation should only be given under the guidance of a healthcare professional.