Colorado Measles Outbreak: 2nd Case Reported at Broomfield High School

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  Health and Fitness on Mon, Mar 02nd, 2026 by CBS News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

BROOMFIELD, Colo. - March 3, 2026 - Colorado health officials are closely monitoring a growing measles outbreak centered around Broomfield High School, with a second confirmed case reported this week. This development follows the initial case identified last week and underscores the critical importance of vaccination and public health vigilance.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced Wednesday that both confirmed cases involve students attending Broomfield High School. This concentration within a single school population is raising concerns among health experts about potential further spread.

"We are working closely with Broomfield Public Schools and Tri-County Health Department to investigate and mitigate this outbreak," stated Jill Burroll, CDPHE's medical director for communicable diseases, in a recent press release. "The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is to get vaccinated. It's a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness and protect our community."

Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus remains airborne for extended periods, and even brief exposure can lead to infection in unvaccinated individuals. The disease is particularly dangerous for infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). A characteristic rash develops a few days later, starting on the face and spreading throughout the body. Complications can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Prior to widespread vaccination, measles was a common childhood illness, but vaccination efforts have dramatically reduced its incidence.

Rising National and Global Concerns

The Broomfield outbreak is occurring against a backdrop of increasing measles cases nationally and globally. Public health officials have noted a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates in recent years, driven by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. These declines have created pockets of susceptible populations, increasing the risk of outbreaks like the one now affecting Colorado.

According to the CDC, the US experienced a significant resurgence of measles in recent years, with outbreaks reported in multiple states. Globally, several countries are experiencing large-scale measles epidemics, contributing to a rise in international cases and posing a risk of importation to the United States.

Colorado's Response and Recommendations The CDPHE is actively working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus at Broomfield High School. Contact tracing efforts are underway to determine the extent of the outbreak and implement appropriate control measures. These measures may include temporary closures of affected classrooms or schools, as well as targeted vaccination clinics.

Health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to measles to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop a fever, cough, or rash. They are also strongly encouraging individuals to review their vaccination records and ensure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

In January, Colorado reported a separate measles case involving a traveler at Denver International Airport, highlighting the potential for imported cases to ignite outbreaks. This recent instance, coupled with the Broomfield High School cases, demonstrates the ongoing threat of measles and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage rates.

Vaccination: The Cornerstone of Prevention

The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for children, with the first dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Adults born in 1957 or later who do not have evidence of immunity (through vaccination or prior infection) should also be vaccinated.

"Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself; it's about protecting vulnerable members of our community who cannot be vaccinated or who are at higher risk of complications," emphasized Dr. Burroll. "By getting vaccinated, you contribute to herd immunity, which helps to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard public health."

Colorado residents can find more information about measles and vaccination on the CDPHE website: https://www.cdphe.colorado.gov/. The Tri-County Health Department is also providing information and resources specific to the Broomfield outbreak: https://www.tchd.org/.