Possible measles exposure at Denver International Airport happened in Concourse C, Colorado health officials warn

Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warned on Monday about a possible measles exposure at Denver International Airport. The incident that led to the warning happened last week.  

On Tuesday an out-of-state traveler who had a confirmed case of measles arrived at the airport in the late afternoon and then departed on a different flight, the CDPHE said in a news release.

The incoming and outgoing flights were both at Concourse C. The arriving flight came into Gate 51. The departing flight left from Gate 50. The time of possible exposure was between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist, said in a prepared statement that being in crowded public spaces like airports "increases the risk of exposure to various communicable diseases."

"It is important for everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations, especially before traveling, to protect themselves and others," Herlihy said.

The CDPHE says getting the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best way to protect against contracting measles.

If you were in Concourse C of Denver's airport in the late afternoon or early evening on Aug. 12, it is recommended to watch out for possible measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure. They begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually starts on the face several days later and spreads.

In the same news release, the CDPHE also revealed that there is another confirmed case of measles in the state -- this time in Mesa County on the Western Slope. The person who got sick is an adult and their vaccination status isn't known.