An out-of-state traveler with a confirmed case of measles traveled through Denver International Airport and stayed at a nearby hotel last week before catching another flight, public health officials said Thursday.
The person was infectious when they flew into DIA’s international terminal on May 13, went to the Quality Inn and Suites for the night and returned to the airport on May 14 to catch a domestic flight, Denver and Colorado public health officials said in a news release.
Anyone who was exposed on either flight will be notified by their state or local public health agency.
State officials are working to quickly identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said in a statement.
“This situation underscores the critical importance of vaccination. Staying up to date on vaccinations and being aware of health risks when traveling are important ways to protect yourself and your community,” Herlihy said.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, state officials said.
People who were at the airport the night of May 13 or morning of May 14 or at the Quality Inn at 6890 Tower Road may have been exposed, Denver and Colorado public health officials said.
Known exposures locations include:
May 13:
- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., DIA gate A27, international customs and international baggage claim 3 in the main terminal;
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Quality Inn and Suites hotel shuttle;
- 6:15 p.m. and later, Quality Inn and Suites lobby and elevator.
May 14:
- 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., Quality Inn and Suites lobby and elevator;
- 5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Quality Inn and Suites hotel shuttle to airport;
- 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., DIA main terminal, train to gates and concourse B. Passenger departed from Gate B86.
People who were at those locations should contact their health care provider, an urgent care center or emergency department by phone immediately, state officials said.
Someone exposed to the measles usually develops symptoms one to three weeks after exposure, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that typically develops on the face a few days later and spreads.
Measles outbreaks have been confirmed in 11 states across the U.S., with more than 1,000 cases reported, according to the Associated Press. That’s more than triple the amount recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in all of 2024.
In Colorado, the state’s first confirmed measles case since 2023 was reported in Pueblo in March. Additional cases have since been confirmed in Denver and Pueblo.
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