Arapahoe County public health warns of rising reportable conditions driven by measles responses and flu season

Arapahoe County communicable‑disease staff told the Board of Health that the county has seen a substantial increase in reportable conditions and outbreak work since 2023, driven in part by multiple measles responses and a strong influenza season in early 2026.

"We've been monitoring a fairly significant increase in our workload since 2023," the communicable‑disease epidemiology manager said in a metrics briefing, describing measles responses and hundreds of contact investigations that multiply workload demands.

Staff explained the dataset covers 2023 through the first quarter of 2026 and includes Colorado reportable conditions, outbreaks and animal investigations (for example, dog‑bite and rabies investigations). They noted the difference between reportable‑condition trends (typically laboratory‑reported) and outbreak counts (which can rise as partner reporting improves).

To address capacity needs the department said it hired a fifth epidemiologist in fall 2024, continues to prioritize contact investigations and is working to capture informal phone‑based assistance that current metrics miss. Staff committed to returning with a breakdown by illness type at a future meeting.

Staff also reported an early‑season confirmed rabid skunk in the county and said public communications urging pet vaccination and avoidance of wild animals were posted.

The presentation underscored the importance of partner relationships: staff said some increases in outbreak reports may reflect stronger reporting relationships rather than only a true rise in disease occurrence. Directors asked for more detailed illness breakdowns and questioned how trends might evolve; staff said they will follow up with a disaggregated analysis.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff described operational steps to sustain response capacity and preserve staff wellbeing amid sustained workload.