What to know about measles, now that Colorado has recorded more cases in a year than in all of the prior decade

Colorado confirmed its seventh measles case of the year, involving a vaccinated adult from Arapahoe County who traveled internationally. This case follows another reported case from the same flight, prompting the state health department to contact passengers and crew for potential exposure. Dr. Ned Calonge, the state's chief medical officer, highlighted the importance of vaccination, stating, 'The way to control measles is with measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. ' The state has seen a sharp increase in MMR vaccinations, attributed to heightened awareness of measles cases.

Notably, Colorado's seven cases in just five months surpass the total recorded during the entire previous decade. Free MMR vaccination clinics are being organized for exposed individuals to mitigate further outbreaks.