### Measles Outbreak in Several States Raises Concerns

The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed three additional measles cases, connected to exposure at Denver International Airport and a Turkish Airlines flight, bringing the total number of cases to six. Among the newly reported cases are two unvaccinated adults from El Paso County, who were at the airport on May 14, and one vaccinated adult from Arapahoe County, who arrived on a Turkish Airlines flight on May 13. The first identified patient, an out-of-state resident, had traveled on the same flight while infectious. Of the six confirmed cases, four individuals were on the Turkish Airlines flight, including three Colorado residents and one out-of-state resident.

Meanwhile, health officials in various other states have also reported new measles cases. In California, Santa Clara County and Alameda County health officials are investigating a confirmed measles infection in an adult who traveled internationally and may have been exposed at a U.S. airport. Additionally, potential exposure was identified at two grocery stores and a coffee shop in the region.

North Dakota Health and Human Services confirmed three more cases, bringing their total to 32 since early May. Most of these cases are concentrated in Grand Forks County and Williams County and primarily affect unvaccinated individuals, with the majority (24) being between ages 5 and 19.

In Minnesota, the Department of Health reported two new cases, increasing the state total to four for the year. This includes an adult from Washington County with an unverified vaccination status who was exposed while traveling domestically outside Minnesota, and an unvaccinated child from Dakota County with no known exposure or recent travel outside the state. Health officials are particularly concerned that the latter case, who visited the Mall of America theme park while infectious on May 24, may indicate undetected community spread.

The measles outbreaks have highlighted the risks associated with unvaccinated populations and the potential for the disease to spread through travel and community exposure. Public health authorities continue to urge vaccinations as the most effective means of preventing measles infection and curbing further outbreaks.