English

Only 25% of Students in Rural Schools Vaccinated Against Measles

UNVACCINATED | Children are the most vulnerable. (Photo/EFE)

COLORADO’S RURAL AREAS VULNERABLE TO MEASLES

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Colorado health authorities have issued a warning following an increase in confirmed measles cases reported in different regions of the state, including outbreaks in urban areas such as Denver and Pueblo. However, the greatest concern lies in rural communities, where vaccination rates against the virus have significantly declined since the pandemic.

According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), five measles cases have been confirmed so far in 2025. Infections were reported in Denver, Pueblo, Archuleta, and Jefferson counties, and in all cases, authorities issued alerts for possible public exposure at clinics, coffee shops, supermarkets, and medical centers.

A Silent Threat in Rural Areas

While urban outbreaks draw media attention, experts warn that rural areas pose an even greater risk. “We are seeing alarmingly low vaccination rates in some communities in the southwest part of the state. That creates ideal conditions for the virus to spread,” warned Dr. Beth Carlton, an environmental and occupational health expert at the Colorado School of Public Health.

In counties like Hinsdale and Dolores, more than 25% of K-12 students are not fully vaccinated against measles, falling well below the recommended herd immunity threshold of 95%. In other school districts, such as Crestone Charter School in Saguache County, only 20% of students are protected against the disease.

Public health experts attribute the situation to misinformation, lack of access to healthcare, religious or philosophical beliefs, and a growing distrust in vaccines fueled by official discourse that downplays the virus’s seriousness. In some rural, conservative-leaning communities, vitamins are promoted as alternatives to vaccination, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting such practices.

Urgent Strategies

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia and neurological damage. Two doses of the vaccine provide 97% protection and virtually eliminate the risk of severe infection. However, with current vaccination rates, studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association warn that the virus could reestablish itself in the United States, with projections of up to 850,000 cases over the next 25 years.

Health authorities recommend strengthening school vaccination requirements, active case tracking, and bringing vaccination clinics closer to the most vulnerable communities. “It’s about making vaccination easy, fast, and accessible,” said Sarah Waraniak, director of the Immunize Colorado program.

As infections continue to rise across the country, experts emphasize that Colorado still has time to prevent a larger-scale epidemic. The key lies in restoring public trust, combating misinformation, and closing vaccination gaps in every corner of the state.