Measles Exposure in Colorado: Denver Airport and Littleton Church Identified as Potential Sites

Colorado health officials are alerting the public to potential measles exposures at Denver International Airport (DEN) and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton. The exposures stem from an out-of-state traveler who was infectious while in Colorado last weekend, February 21-22, 2026.

Exposure Locations and Dates

• Denver International Airport (DEN):
  • Arrival: Frontier flight 1279 from Miami, Gate A83 in the A Concourse, February 21, 2026, at 9:15 a.m.
  • Departure: Frontier flight 1280 to Miami, Gate A76 in the A Concourse, February 22, 2026, at 11:29 p.m.
• St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Littleton: 6853 S. Prince Street, February 22, 2026, between 9:30 a.m. And 2:00 p.m. (church service and reception).

Contact Tracing and Risk Assessment

Public health departments are actively conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed. Passengers on the identified flights will be notified directly by their state or local health agency. Health officials are utilizing flight manifests to pinpoint potentially exposed individuals at the airport, though tracing exposures in public areas like baggage claim and restrooms presents a greater challenge. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is sharing information widely through social media and news alerts.

Even though the traveler was fully vaccinated, the risk of transmission remains possible. CBS News reports that vaccination lowers the risk but does not eliminate it.

Measles Symptoms and Prevention

Measles is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually appears on the face and then spreads. CDPHE emphasizes that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the disease.

Free Vaccination Opportunities

Individuals who were at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton between 9:30 a.m. And 2:00 p.m. On February 22, 2026, can seek free vaccination opportunities beginning Wednesday at the church or through their local public health agency.

Colorado Measles Cases in 2025

Colorado experienced a significant increase in measles cases in 2025, with 26 confirmed cases – the highest number in over a decade. 9News reported that the largest outbreak occurred in Mesa County with 11 cases, and a previous outbreak linked to a traveler on a Turkish Air flight at DIA led to a second-largest outbreak with 10 cases.

Travel and Vaccination Recommendations

With spring break travel approaching, health officials urge Coloradans to check their vaccination status and ensure they are protected against measles. Measles occurs globally, making vaccination particularly important for travelers.