Colorado public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Larimer County teenager and are warning that people who visited Longmont United Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora last week may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
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According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, the child had not received the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine and was likely exposed during recent international travel.
Potential exposure occurred at CommonSpirit Longmont United Hospital’s emergency department, 1950 Mountain View Ave., between 2:45 and 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. A second exposure location was identified at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora between 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2.
Anyone who might have been exposed is advised to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed several days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads.
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Health officials said people who have not received the MMR vaccine may be able to reduce their risk of illness by getting vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms should call their health care provider before seeking in-person care to help prevent exposing others to the virus.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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