Measles Confirmed in El Paso County Patient

El Paso County Public Health officials say someone who traveled to Colorado Springs last month has tested positive for measles.  The case may be connected to nine other measles cases in two other states where the patients visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in mid-December. 

The patient has made a full recovery, but health officials say those present in Penrose Hospital’s Emergency Department and CAT scan suite and the fourth floor on January 3rd may have been exposed.  The health department says patients and others in direct contact with the individual are being notified but that others should still be on alert through late January.

"While most people are protected against measles, unvaccinated patients and visitors who were at Penrose Hospital may be at risk," said Dr. Bill Letson in a statement.  Letson is the Medical Director of El Paso County Public Health.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and a rash, and health officials say anyone showing symptoms should call a doctor before going to a medical office or ER.  The last case of measles in El Paso County was in 1992.