According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s (CDPHE) Sunday advisory, anyone who was in the building between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. is at risk of developing the virus.

Mesa County Public Health Epidemiologist Supervisor Kathleen Satterfield added that the risk of infection (in this instance) is low, but anyone exposed should contact the department to guarantee that western Colorado avoids an outbreak.

“It was a very low-risk situation (with) a very minimal period of time spent in the business,” Satterfield said. “They were there to have a meal, be in the gas station and leave … so it’s probably a low risk to staff and the other patrons at the business.”

“If people have identified themselves as being there during that time and may have been possibly exposed, we would like them to reach out to us — period,” she added.

This exposure is the Western Slope’s first since nationwide cases began rising in January, but 11 cases have already been confirmed across the Front Range: in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Evergreen and Greenwood Village.

Eleven cases in six months far exceed the norm for Colorado, where a total of only six cases were identified between 2014 and 2024.

WHAT TO DO IF EXPOSED

Because the measles can be contagious four days before symptoms appear — and symptoms can take as long as 21 days to develop — the health agencies advised that anyone exposed take a few steps to ensure they don’t unknowingly spread the virus.

More than anything, those who were exposed should immediately contact Mesa County Public Health by calling 970-254-4120.

According to Satterfield, notifying the department is critical for monitoring potential outbreaks.

The agency’s epidemiologists can also evaluate an individual’s odds of developing measles, the risk to them and people they interact with and whether they should self-isolate, preventing an outbreak in the first place.

“(It comes down to a) risk assessment on a case-by-case basis, based on their immunity status, proximity and length of time … so, we would have to determine that for each person,” Satterfield said.

Otherwise, CDPHE advised that anyone with a potential exposure should self-monitor for symptoms and avoid public gatherings throughout the incubation period, which is estimated to end on June 17.

Symptoms range in severity, with the most common including a fever, cough, runny nose and a rash that typically starts along one’s hairline and spreads across the body. While rare, extreme cases can include permanent hearing loss, brain damage and respiratory failure.

If you notice any of the listed measles symptoms, Satterfield said to contact your primary care provider in addition to the public health department.

She added that anyone considering a doctor’s visit should notify their provider about the exposure ahead of time.

“Before they go into their provider’s office, let them know you (were) exposed to someone who may have had measles because their provider will set up a special way for them to be seen and come into their provider’s office so they don’t potentially expose anyone else in their office,” Satterfield said.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINATION

Aside from reacting to outbreaks as they occur, Satterfield said that vaccination remains the most effective way to deter the measles — despite backlash.

Several independent studies conducted in the U.S., Denmark, Britain and other countries have disproven claims that immunization can lead to autism. Similarly, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, its efficacy and health impacts (immediate and long-term) have been closely studied for more than 50 years.

The myth that vaccines cause autism originated from a 1998 research paper, which was widely decried for its manipulation of data and later retracted by the journal that published it.

Its author held the patent to a competing version of the vaccine and stood to earn over $43 million per year from testing kits that would detect autistic enterocolitis (vaccine-induced autism), a syndrome he created with the false study.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.

Vaccination Concept. Girl Receiving Measles Vaccine In Clinic, Copy Space

“Getting your (measles) vaccine is safe and effective,” Satterfield said. “Our best line of defense for preventing measles is getting the vaccine.”

CDPHE recommends all children without immunity receive vaccination, with eligibility starting at one year of age.

CDPHE also recommends that any unvaccinated adults or those who received an “inactivated” measles vaccine prior to 1968 get the immunization.

The department said in a press release that adults unsure of their vaccination history should still consider getting the MMR immunization, as an additional dose does not have any proven consequences.

Those interested in obtaining an MMR vaccine can contact their primary care provider or schedule an appointment at the Mesa County Public Health Clinic, 510 29½ Road, by calling 970-248-6906.