Measles

Colorado health officials were able to get ahead of the highly contagious virus by tracking its presence in sewer systems, researchers wrote.

High number of cases in county along 3 state lines

Health officials trying to prevent outbreaks of measles in Colorado have an unusual tool at their disposal: treated sewage. Monitoring wastewater for the measles virus can help health providers get a handle on cases before they spread.

Measles cases decline in recent weeks, doctors encourage prevention.

Measles outbreak slows pace in Mountain West states

There are more than 800 cases of measles in the U.S., and three of them are in Colorado. So how are health officials working to stop measles from spreading in our state? And what are they doing to increase lower vaccination rates in some communities? We’ll hear from a doctor working to prevent outbreaks in Colorado.

Many are worried about measles spreading around Colorado. Doctors say being vaccinated can reduce the risks.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's warning comes after two previous measles cases in Pueblo and Denver. Unlike in those two cases, the Archuleta County resident, an adult whose vaccination status has not been confirmed, did not recently travel internationally.

Colorado's first measles case of the year is from someone who traveled internationally. The highly contagious virus recently saw a surge in Texas.

At least 95% of community members need to be vaccinated to protect against the virus. That number is a lot lower in some western states.