Tri-County Health Department is warning of possible exposure to a baby with measles who was at various locations in the south metro area. Measles is a respiratory illness that can be spread by coughing and sneezing, and can be very dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated, immune-compromised people, and those who have not been immunized. Complications include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
The health department advises that anyone in the locations listed below contact their healthcare provider to get vaccinated if they are not already immune to measles, and to watch for symptoms:
• Kumon Math and Reading Center of Highlands Ranch – East – 9362 S. Colorado Blvd. #D-08, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 – July 8, 3:30 p.m.-6:40 p.m. and July 11, 3:30 p.m.-6:40 p.m.
• King Soopers – 9551 S. University Blvd, Littleton, CO 80126 – July 11, 4:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
• Panda Express – 9563 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126– July 11, 5:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
• Southeast Denver Pediatrics – 11960 Lioness Way #200, Parker, CO 80134– July 12, 9:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; July 13, 9:50 a.m.-12:35 p.m.; and July 14, 11:35 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
• Target – 10001 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO 80124– July 12, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• Sky Ridge Pediatric Emergency Department (Evergreen Building) – 10107 Ridge Gate Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124– July 14, 12:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.
• Pediatric Unit at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian St. Luke’s – 2001 High Street., Denver, CO 80205– July 14, 8:30 p.m. to July 15, 3:30 a.m.
“As of Sunday evening, July 17, every person known to have been in contact with the baby—or in close proximity at the locations listed—has been identified and/or personally contacted by the health department, and provided the appropriate preventive measures. This notice to the public is out of an abundance of caution, and any remaining risk is extremely low,” states John M. Douglas, Jr. MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.
Symptoms of measles typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, and include a fever of 101 degrees or higher, a runny nose, red eyes that are sensitive to light, and coughing. Two to four days after the first symptoms, a red rash starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
A person can be contagious for four days before the rash appears and for up to four days after the rash appears. People with measles symptoms should NOT go to childcare, school, work, or out in public, since they may spread the disease to others.
If you need to be seen by a doctor, call the office to tell them about your symptoms. Do not go inside the doctor’s office or hospital since measles is highly contagious, and the doctor might meet you outside of the medical office in order to protect other patients and visitors.
Though vaccination will not protect against this exposure, it will protect against future possible exposures. For more information, call Tri-County Health Department at 303-220-9200, the COHELP InfoLine at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or visit www.tchd.org.