Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Infectious Disease topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public health: Colorado measles cluster includes international exposure; county monitors avian flu and wastewater
Summary
Ouray County Public Health Director Kristen Kelly briefed commissioners on measles activity in Colorado, surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and local wastewater monitoring; Ridgeway wastewater sampling capacity and partnerships were discussed.
Public Health Director Kristen Kelly updated the Board June 10 on infectious‑disease and surveillance work.
Measles: Kelly said Colorado had 14 confirmed cases at the time with eight linked to an internationally‑exposed Turkish Airlines flight and additional cases tied to Denver International Airport exposures; three Colorado patients had required hospitalization. She reiterated Centers for Disease Control guidance: two documented MMR doses are ~97% effective, one dose ~93% effective for some age groups; international travelers (including infants 6–11 months) should check vaccination status and get appropriate doses before travel; people born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Avian influenza (HPAI): Kelly noted the risk to humans remains low but surveillance continues. The state is further testing positive PCR flu samples to detect avian strains; Colorado had no confirmed human avian‑influenza cases since the 2024 detections related to agricultural workers. She directed residents with backyard flocks to the Colorado Department of Agriculture HPAI guidance (ag.colorado.gov/hpai).
Wastewater surveillance: Statewide sentinel testing shows declines in COVID‑19 and influenza; local Ridgeway wastewater tests were reporting no detections in the most recent cycle. Kelly said the county would like to add wastewater surveillance for measles in the future when the state data systems are ready. She also reported a staffing/security constraint at the Ouray wastewater treatment plant that prevented that plant from participating in twice‑weekly sampling; Ridgeway and other partners would continue to provide samples. Tanya Ishikawa (Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership) and others offered trained staff who could perform sampling if access/security issues are resolved.
Kelly also highlighted WIC and family wellness programs, vape‑disposal pilot collection (12 devices collected so far), farmers'‑market vouchers for WIC families, and other public‑health outreach and social‑support efforts.
Why this matters: The measles cluster includes international exposure and the risk of severe cases is unpredictable; public health is emphasizing vaccination, surveillance and preparedness. Wastewater surveillance complements clinical testing but depends on sampling access and partner capacity.
