Denver Resident Becomes Seventh Measles Case Linked to DIA Outbreak Following International Flight

A resident of Denver has been diagnosed with measles, marking the seventh case in Colorado connected to an outbreak associated with a passenger on a Turkish Airlines flight that arrived at Denver International Airport on May 13. This recent case involves an adult who had been vaccinated against measles and is currently recovering at home. Despite vaccination, two doses of the measles vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing infection.

The infected individual likely contracted the virus from one of four travelers on the same flight, all of whom have tested positive for measles. Additionally, three other individuals who passed through DIA around the same time—an out-of-state traveler—have also been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain airborne for about two hours, which increases the risk of transmission in crowded settings. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment has issued exposure alerts for several locations to help prevent further spread. People who visited these sites during the specified times should monitor for symptoms through June 19-23:

• Trader Joe's, Denver, on May 29 between 9:30 and 11:40 a.m.
• King Soopers, Windsor, on May 30 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
• Target, Glendale, on June 5 between 9:20 and 11:50 p.m.

Furthermore, an individual from El Paso County possibly exposed others at Single Barrel Bar and Grill in Colorado Springs on May 31 from 6 to 11:30 p.m.

Measles symptoms typically appear within one to three weeks after exposure. Early signs include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and cough. A distinctive red rash generally develops about four days after the initial symptoms. People who experience symptoms after visiting the exposed locations are advised to contact healthcare providers beforehand to prevent spread.

The current outbreak has resulted in 12 confirmed cases of measles this year in Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for travelers and unvaccinated individuals to reduce the risk of infection, especially before international travel.