State and local health officials have issued a public health alert after a visitor to Huerfano County tested positive for measles, prompting warnings of potential exposure at two locations in the town of La Veta. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department, is urging anyone who was present at the specified sites to monitor for symptoms of the highly contagious virus.
The incident marks the 31st confirmed case of measles in Colorado during 2025, a year that has seen a significant resurgence of the disease both statewide and nationally. According to public health data, the vast majority of cases in the state have occurred in individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Officials stress that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective method of prevention against an illness that can lead to serious health complications.
Official Health Advisory Issued
The public notification was released on October 16, 2025, following the confirmation of a measles case in a traveler from out-of-state. The advisory specifically targets residents and visitors who may have been in close proximity to the infected individual during their stay in Huerfano County. The primary purpose of the alert is to inform potentially exposed individuals so they can take appropriate precautions and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise. Health departments are coordinating to provide updated information and guidance to the community. Officials emphasize that while the risk of transmission is high, awareness and vigilance can help prevent a wider outbreak. People who believe they were exposed are advised to review their immunization records and consult with a healthcare provider.
Identified Exposure Locations and Timeline
Health officials have identified two specific commercial locations in La Veta where the public may have been exposed to the virus. Individuals who were present at these sites during the specified windows should consider themselves at risk of infection. The incubation period for measles is typically 7 to 21 days, meaning symptoms could appear in early November for those exposed.
- Ranch House Inn: Located at 1012 Cherry St., La Veta, CO 81055. The potential exposure period covers a multi-day stay from October 12 through October 15. Symptoms could develop as late as Wednesday, November 5.
- La Veta Country Store (Valero): Located at 200 N Main St., La Veta, CO 81055. The potential exposure window was on the morning of Monday, October 13, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Symptoms for individuals exposed here could begin around Monday, November 3.
Authorities have noted that additional exposure locations may be identified as their investigation continues and promised to update the public with any new information.
Public Health Recommendations
For Potential Exposure
Anyone who was at the Ranch House Inn or the La Veta Country Store during the times listed is asked to monitor their health for 21 days after the potential exposure date. It is especially critical for individuals who have not received the MMR vaccine to watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, people are instructed to immediately contact their healthcare provider, an urgent care center, or an emergency department by phone before arriving for an in-person visit. This advance warning allows medical staff to implement infection control measures to prevent further spread of the virus to other patients and staff.
Vaccination and Prevention
Public health agencies continue to highlight vaccination as the best defense against measles. The MMR vaccine provides robust and long-lasting protection. The resurgence of the disease is largely attributed to gaps in vaccination coverage within communities. Officials encourage all residents to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their immunizations. The vaccine is safe and highly effective, protecting not only the individual but also vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Understanding the Virus
Measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its initial symptoms often resemble a common cold, including a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Several days after these initial signs, a characteristic rash of tiny, red spots typically appears, starting on the face and head and spreading downward to the rest of the body. Complications can be severe and include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and, in rare cases, death. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Broader Context of the 2025 Measles Resurgence
State-Level Statistics
The case in Huerfano County is part of a larger, concerning trend within Colorado. Throughout 2025, the state has recorded 31 measles cases across eight counties. Of those, 23 cases involved people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, underscoring the role of immunization in controlling the disease. So far this year, five people have required hospitalization due to the severity of their illness, although no deaths have been reported in the state. This year’s total is a dramatic increase from previous years; until 2025, Colorado had not recorded more than two cases in any single year for over a decade.
National Trends
The situation in Colorado reflects a national crisis. As of mid-October 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 1,596 measles cases across the United States. This figure represents the highest number of cases reported in a single year since 2000, the year the disease was officially declared eliminated in the country. The nationwide resurgence has seen 12% of infected individuals hospitalized and has resulted in three deaths, serving as a stark reminder of the virus’s potential lethality. The increase is primarily linked to clusters of cases in under-vaccinated communities and increased transmission from international travel.
