Measles Outbreak

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with one infected person potentially spreading it to 12 to 18 others in a population with no immunity.

It is a respiratory infection that causes fever, cough, and rash, but can also lead to complications like pneumonia and can be deadly. To prevent its spread, a vaccination rate of around 95% is required. If vaccination rates fall below that, the virus can spread quickly and cause serious illness.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) typically provides long-lasting immunity. There are no antivirals for measles, and doctors primarily manage symptoms. Vaccination remains the key defense against measles.

Stay informed by checking the newly updated CDPHE Measles webpage and if your student is feeling ill, please follow the Too Sick for School guidelines.

As a reminder, BVSD follows CDPHE’s How sick is too sick? Guidelines.

If your child begins to show symptoms of illness, please consult your healthcare provider, alert the school and please keep them home from school.

It is important to know that if a measles case occurs at a school, all students and staff must have proof of immunity in order to attend classes/working. Those without documentation may be excluded or required to quarantine for up to 21 days. Additionally, that period may be extended, depending on the situation.

Individuals with confirmed immunity may continue to come to school as long as they are not experiencing symptoms of illness.

Student Vaccinations

Colorado law (Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2) requires all students attending Colorado schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless an exemption is filed.  

Under Colorado law, a student may be exempted from required immunizations if they have submitted a signed medical or non-medical exemption certificate.

Student immunizations

Staff & Visitor Vaccinations

Non-students must be able to show proof of immunization to enter a school building during a measles case, including the following:

• Documentation of MMR vaccination
• Staff who have received at least one MMR vaccination prior to exposure may continue working and do not need to quarantine.
• Positive measles titer (lab confirmation of immunity)
• Born before 1957, considered presumptive immunity due to natural infection prior to the vaccine’s introduction in 1963

How to find your vaccinations

• Your current or previous healthcare provider
• Your K–12 school district or college
• If you previously attended BVSD, use the BVSD Records Request form
• State Immunization Information System where you lived as a child

Colorado residents: Check the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) public portal.

Other states: Contact your state’s Immunization Information System. Some states allow public record requests and interjurisdictional exchange with CIIS.