Confirmed measles case in Jefferson County, with possible exposures to DIA and Arvada urgent care

Colorado health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an adult in Jefferson County, marking the 26th case recorded in the state this year.

They warn that anyone who passed through parts of Denver International Airport or visited an Arvada urgent care center earlier this month may have been exposed.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says the person likely contracted the virus while traveling outside of Colorado, although the source of infection is still under investigation. It is also unclear whether or not they have been vaccinated against the virus.

Potential exposures to DIA

• Saturday October 3, from 12:25 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.: Gate C50, Airport Train to Concourse B, Employee Shuttle from Concourse B to Employee Parking

• Sunday October 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Employee Shuttle, Gate B48

• Sunday to Monday, October 4 and 5, 11:25 p.m..– 2 a.m.: Gate A18, airport train to concourse B, employee shuttle

The person also visited CareNow Urgent Care located at 6413 Fig St. in Arvada between 11:35 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on October 7.

Anyone in these locations during the identified windows should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

Measles is highly contagious and presents symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash. Health officials say anyone developing symptoms should call a doctor before seeking in-person care to avoid potentially exposing others.

The new case comes months after a measles outbreak linked to Broomfield-area schools sparked widespread exposure warnings in the Denver metro area. Colorado also recorded several other travel-related measles exposures this year.

Last year, the state recorded 36 cases of measles, the highest number in recent years. Before last year, the state had recorded no more than one case per year since 2014, except in 2016 when it had two. Nationally, 2026 is the worst year for the disease since 1992.