Colorado Travelers Warned of Measles Risk |
Colorado Travelers Warned of Measles RiskState health officials warn that measles outbreaks overseas, especially in Europe, may expose Coloradans traveling abroad. Officials are encouraging people traveling abroad to make sure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations. Infants and children who have not received their measles booster are especially at risk for the disease. In March, a woman traveling from London to New Mexico made a flight transfer at Denver International Airport. She later was diagnosed with measles, creating the potential that she may have exposed other travelers to measles. Fortunately, no cases of measles connected to the woman were reported. However, state health officials warn it likely is only a matter of time before there is a measles outbreak in Colorado related to international travel. "We've seen recent measles outbreaks in Utah, Florida and Minnesota," said Joni Reynolds, director of the Colorado Immunization Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. "The majority of these cases are linked to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated Americans traveling abroad. With the summer travel season upon us, the risk of measles making it to Colorado is heightened." Before any international travel, infants 6 months through 11 months of age should have at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine, which is earlier than the usual recommended age for initial measles vaccination. Children 12 months and older who are traveling internationally should receive two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Adults also should review their vaccination records to ensure they are up to date.
Parents traveling with children to Europe should contact their health care provider for vaccination recommendations. In addition, parents can contact their local public health.
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Teller County Public Health has an immunizations by appointment on Wednesday afternoons. Please call 687-6416 if you need an appointment.
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