Tue Apr 08 17:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Second Measles Case Confirmed in Colorado Infant

**Denver, CO – April 8, 2025** – Colorado health officials announced a second measles case in the state this year, involving an unvaccinated infant under the age of one residing in Denver. The child recently traveled with family to Chihuahua, Mexico, a region currently experiencing a measles outbreak.

The confirmation, a joint announcement from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, prompted urgent calls for Coloradans to verify their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. Individuals who visited the Denver Health emergency department on April 6th between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. may have been exposed.

This case follows a previously reported measles infection in an adult from Pueblo who also had traveled to Mexico. State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy emphasized the vulnerability of infants under 12 months, who are too young for routine MMR vaccination. She urged families planning international travel to consult healthcare providers about early vaccination, particularly when visiting areas with known measles outbreaks.

Dr. Herlihy reiterated Colorado’s vaccination rate is one percentage point below the 95% needed for herd immunity, leaving the state susceptible to outbreaks. Nationally, the CDC reported 607 confirmed measles cases as of April 3rd, 2025, exceeding numbers from recent years, with cases reported across numerous states. Two deaths have been reported nationally this year, with 12% of cases resulting in hospitalization. The MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles, health officials stressed.

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