Colorado has reported its first measles outbreak of 2026, involving three cases linked to students in Broomfield schools. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has identified 11 potential public exposure sites across Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, and Westminster, urging vigilance among residents.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission
Measles symptoms, which can take up to three weeks to appear, initially include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A distinctive rash typically starts at the hairline and spreads downwards, appearing approximately four days after an individual becomes contagious.
People can transmit the virus before they are aware they have it, making early identification of exposure sites crucial.
Identified Public Exposure Locations and Dates
Individuals who visited the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed:
- Broomfield Heights Middle School, 1555 Daphne St.: February 17-19, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 12).
- Broomfield High School, 1 Eagle Way: February 19-20 and February 23-27, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 20).
- King Soopers, 1150 US-287, Broomfield: February 19, 1-5 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 12); February 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 14).
- Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way: February 19, 7:35-10:30 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 12).
- Petsmart Walnut Creek, 10460 Town Center Dr., Westminster: February 22, 7:30-10 a.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 15).
- Efrains Mexican Restaurant, 101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette: February 22, 5-10 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 15).
- Advanced Urgent Care, 3950 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield: February 24, 1:30-4:30 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 17).
- UCHealth Broomfield Hospital Emergency Department, 11820 Destination Drive: February 24, 2:45-6 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 17).
- CU Medicine Family Medicine Clinic, 361 Centennial Parkway, Louisville: February 25, 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 18).
- Chick-fil-A, 4260 W. 121st Ave., Broomfield: February 25, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 18).
- Chipotle, 5160 W. 120th Ave., Westminster: February 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Symptoms could appear through March 19).
Public Health Recommendations
Individuals who suspect they were exposed and begin to develop symptoms should contact their medical provider by phone before seeking in-person care.
This precaution helps to minimize the potential for further virus transmission in healthcare settings.
Vaccination: Protection and Prevention
Two doses of the measles vaccine offer approximately 97% protection against infection. For unvaccinated individuals, partial protection can be achieved if the vaccine is administered within about three days of exposure to the virus.
Historical Context of Measles in Colorado
As of 2026, Colorado has reported four measles cases. This follows a significant increase in 2025, when the state confirmed 36 cases, a notable rise from the preceding decade which typically saw between zero and two cases annually.