LITTLETON, CO – Congregants who attended services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Sunday (Feb. 22) may have been exposed to measles. An individual reportedly traveled through the Denver International Airport (DIA) over the weekend and attended the church one day after touching down in Denver.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the individual with measles arrived at Gate A83 in Concourse A at 9:15a.m., on Saturday (Feb. 21). The person went to the main entrance and departed the airport.
The next day, the individual was in attendance at church services held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church between 9:30a.m. and 2p.m. Main ceremonies were held at 9:30a.m. and 11:30a.m. A reception session took place at 10:30a.m.
After leaving the event at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the person reportedly returned to the Denver International Airport (DIA) on Sunday (Feb. 22). They arrived at 9:30p.m., and departed at 11:29p.m., from Gate A76 in Concourse.
“Passengers who were potentially exposed on either of the flights will be notified directly by their state or local public health agency,” the CDPHE said in a statement. “Because the passenger is fully vaccinated, the risk of transmission is lower, but still possible.”
Measles is an illness caused by an airborne virus that easily spreads and settles on surfaces. Infected individuals typically recover within 10 days, though there have been cases of the measles being more severe and even deadly.
Medical professionals strongly recommend vaccinations to reduce the likelihood of measles spreading. “Take the vaccine, please,” Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Administrator, said during a recent interview. “We have a solution for our problem,” he continued.
“Not all illnesses are equally dangerous, and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses. But measles is one you should get your vaccine [for].”
Those exposed to the measles in Denver and Littleton this past weekend should be aware of symptoms, which could develop through Monday, March 16, 2026.