Measles cases remain at zero in Montezuma County this year, but health officials say outbreaks are rising in neighboring states and influenza is reaching record levels across Colorado.
Bobbi Lock, director of the county Public Health Department, provided a monthly update to the board of county commissioners earlier this week, offering a snapshot of the regional outlook on communicable diseases.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed 15 measles cases statewide since January in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Saguache and Weld counties, 11 of which were confirmed in March.
Adams County reported the highest case rate at five.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of April, there were 1,670 cases nationwide, with health officials believing they stemmed from 17 new outbreaks.
“Every one of them are basically outbreak-related and most individuals are unvaccinated. Some have been unvaccinated because they are not old enough but most of them have been unvaccinated individuals,” Lock said.
The state health department reports about 73% of Coloradans are vaccinated with two doses, while 91% of the statewide population has received at least one dose. Montezuma County has an 80% two-dose vaccination rate, according to data from the Colorado Immunization Information System.
Arizona has battled outbreaks near the Utah border since last August. Arizona public health officials confirmed a total of 72 new cases in 2026, with Mohave County reporting 61 of them. Southwest Utah has also seen a sharp rise, with its public health department reporting 121 Utah residents confirmed with measles in the last three weeks.
“Those are impressive numbers, and I am glad we’re not experiencing any here especially with our near neighbors,” said Jocelyn Hirschman, the county’s medical officer.
While measles remains at zero locally, Lock told the board that health officials are tracking a “record-breaking influenza year” statewide because “it’s been a big deal.”
About 5,000 people have been hospitalized with influenza in Colorado.
“It’s mostly influenza Type B, it was Type A at the end of 2025, but now it’s Type B that they’re seeing. We did have one outbreak of RSV here in Montezuma County,” Lock said earlier this week.
Since Jan. 21 people in Montezuma County have been hospitalized for flu, eight for RSV and none for COVID-19, Lock said.
From 8 a.m. to noon April 18, the state’s mobile vaccination clinic will offer a full slate of vaccinations for adults and children at the Montezuma County Health Fair.
The mobile clinic does not charge fees, and those without health insurance can get vaccinated there for free.
The low-cost health clinic at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez, is also offering blood tests and screenings, along with educational materials on mental and physical health, through a partnership with the county, Southwest Memorial Hospital and other local agencies.
| Adult Clinic | Under 19 |
| Influenza | Influenza |
| Hepatitis A | DTaP/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B |
| HPV (Human papillomavirus) | Hib (Haemophilus influenzae Type B) |
| Meningitis | HPV (Human papillomavirus) |
| MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) | MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) |
| Pneumonia | Polio |
| Polio | Varicella (chickenpox) |
| Shingles | |
| Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) | |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | (Source: Mobile Public Health Clinic Program) |
Measles: What to know and how to protect yourself
What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact. Transmission often occurs before people realize they are sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes airborne spread, which can happen up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A blotchy rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the neck, arms, torso, legs and feet.
Measles can cause serious complications, especially in infants, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia, hospitalization and, in severe cases, death.
How to protect against measles
The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, which health officials say is safe. Children may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk with your health care provider or contact Montezuma County Public Health Department at (970) 565-3056. For questions about exposure, symptoms or vaccinations, call the same number.
Source: Montezuma County Health Department, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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