Measles Outbreak Confirmed in Northern Colorado Communities

Colorado health authorities have confirmed a measles case linked to an Adams County resident, with exposure sites identified in Broomfield and Westminster. The case, reported on March 2, 2026, marks the second confirmed instance at Broomfield High School, involving individuals who did not receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This follows a separate case confirmed on February 27, 2026, with additional exposure sites in the two cities.

Public health officials listed the following locations where potential measles exposure occurred:

• Broomfield High School (1 Eagle Way, Broomfield, CO 80020) between February 24 and March 16, 2026

• ‘Chick-fil-A’ (4260 W. 121st Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020) on February 25

• ‘Chipotle’ (5160 W. 120th Ave., Unit B, Westminster, CO 80020) on February 26

• ‘King Soopers’ (1150 US-287, Broomfield, CO 80020) on February 19 and February 21

• ‘Petsmart Walnut Creek’ (10460 Town Center Dr., Westminster, CO 80021) on February 22

• ‘UCHealth Broomfield Hospital Emergency Department’ (11820 Destination Dr., Broomfield, CO 80021) on February 24

• ‘Advanced Urgent Care’ (3950 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80023) on February 24

• ‘CU Medicine Family Medicine Clinic’ (361 Centennial Pkwy #120, Louisville, CO 80027) on February 25

Individuals present at these locations during the specified dates are advised to monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, and contact healthcare providers if symptoms develop.

Colorado’s measles vaccination rate for kindergarteners in the 2024-2025 school year is 88%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, according to a 2026 CDPHE report. This places the state 45th nationally, with only seven of its 64 counties meeting herd immunity standards. Major counties like Denver (89%), Douglas (92%), and Adams (92%) also fall short.

The low vaccination rate has contributed to a rise in measles cases, with 36 reported in 2025 and three confirmed in 2026. CDPHE officials stress vaccination as the primary prevention method. ‘Vaccines have an exceptional safety record and remain one of the most effective tools to prevent serious disease.’ School and child care immunization requirements remain unchanged, but experts warn that clusters of vaccine refusal in communities create conditions for measles transmission, even in areas with higher coverage.

Measles symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash. Unvaccinated individuals exposed within 72 hours may receive the MMR vaccine to prevent illness, while immunoglobulin can reduce severity if administered within six days. Public health officials urge those exposed to contact healthcare providers immediately if symptoms appear, particularly for infants under one year, who are not routinely vaccinated.

CDPHE will update the measles exposure locations webpage with new information. Those present at the listed locations are directed to the CDPHE measles webpage for details on symptoms, transmission, and vaccine recommendations. Healthcare providers are advised to inform patients of potential exposure to prevent further spread.

The outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health, with ongoing efforts focused on education, vaccination, and community cooperation.