Measles exposure possible at two Greeley hospitals and a clinic

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is warning people who may have been exposed to measles at two Greeley hospitals and a medical clinic to watch for symptoms.

The exposure involves an infant who contracted measles during an overseas trip to an area experiencing an outbreak. The baby was too young for routine vaccination and required hospitalization but has since returned home.

Potential exposure locations include Monfort Family Clinic in Evans, UCHealth Greeley Hospital and Banner North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

The exposure dates range from October 21st through October 28th. Depending on the location and time of exposure, people could develop symptoms through November 18th.

Early symptoms include fever, red eyes, coughing and a runny nose. A rash typically develops several days later, beginning on the face and spreading down the body.

Health officials say people can spread measles about four days before the rash appears.

Anyone who develops symptoms and believes they may have been exposed should call their health care provider before going in, allowing medical staff to take precautions to protect other patients.

The measles vaccine is typically given around a child's first birthday, but infants as young as six months can receive an early dose before international travel.

Colorado has reported 27 measles cases so far this year, including eight hospitalizations and no deaths.

Nationwide, nearly 4,900 cases have been confirmed, the highest annual total since the early 1990s, according to federal health data.