Potential exposure to measles from traveler at DEN and nearby hotel

Published on May 22, 2025

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), and Denver International Airport (DEN) are notifying the public of a possible measles exposure at Denver International Airport and a nearby hotel. An out-of-state traveler with a confirmed case of measles traveled through Denver International Airport and stayed at the Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport while infectious.

The individual arrived at the international terminal at DEN on Tuesday, May 13, then went to a hotel for the evening. On Wednesday, May 14, the individual returned to DEN and boarded a domestic flight. Anyone who was exposed to the case on either of the flights will be notified directly by their state or local public health agency.

Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems. It spreads through the air when a person with it coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person has left. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. 

Known exposure locations: 

Based on available information, anyone who was in the following location during the date and times listed may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine because they are at significantly higher risk. People who are susceptible to measles and were exposed at this location may develop symptoms through Wednesday, June 4. We will update the locations, as necessary.  

Denver International Airport - 8500 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249

May 13, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

  • A Concourse - International Gates 
  • Bridge to customs 
  • Customs area 
  • International Baggage Claim 3

May 14, 5:30 - 10:00 a.m. 

  • Main terminal 
  • Train to gates
  • Concourse B 

Quality Inn & Suites - 6890 Tower Rd., Denver, CO, 80249

May 13, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

  • Hotel shuttle from Denver International Airport to hotel 

May 13, 6:15 - 8:15p.m. 

  • Hotel lobby and elevator 

May 14, 5:00 - 7:00 a.m. 

  • Hotel lobby and elevator

May 14, 5:30- 7:30 a.m. 

  • Hotel shuttle from hotel to Denver International Airport 

 

What to do if you may have been exposed and aren’t feeling well: 

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. 

If you were at these locations during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures. 

Measles cases can often be severe but are preventable. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. For people who haven’t had the MMR vaccine, measles can cause serious infection.

Measles Vaccination

Vaccination is important to prevent individuals from getting sick and also to protect people who cannot get vaccinated, like infants and those who are immunocompromised.

  • CDC recommends that children get one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
  • If you’re traveling internationally, adults should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get 2 more doses after their first birthday.
  • Older children, adolescents, & adults also need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine if they don't have evidence of immunity, like a previous measles infection or proof of vaccination.

What Denverites Should Do to Protect Themselves

  • Know your vaccination status
    • If you do not know whether you are vaccinated against measles, check Colorado’s immunization database at copublicportal.state.co.us or with your healthcare provider.
    • You could also check with family members to see if they have your childhood records.
    • Some schools, colleges, universities or employers might keep records for former students or employers. If you’re unable to find a record of your immunizations elsewhere, consider checking one of these locations.
  • Get vaccinated if you are not vaccinated already
    • Check with your healthcare provider to receive the vaccine.
    • People born before 1957 are generally considered to be immune and do not need a vaccine.
  • If you are not vaccinated and are not planning to receive the vaccine, monitor yourself closely for symptoms. If symptoms develop, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures. If you have additional questions for our DDPHE public health nursing team, contact them by email. They can help answer question about measles, vaccines and more.

 

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