Community warned of measles exposure at Target, King Soopers, Panda Express, more

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. -- People who shopped at Target and King Soopers, ate at Panda Express and visited a tutoring center, one doctor's office and two hospitals are being warned they may have been exposed to measles.

A baby who was diagnosed with measles visited seven different places between July 8 and 15, according to the Tri-County Health Department.

While officials believe "every person known to have been in contact with the baby—or in close proximity at the locations listed—has been identified and/or personally contacted by the health department, and provided the appropriate preventive measures," the health department is still issuing a warning to the public about possible exposure.

"This notice to the public is out of an abundance of caution, and any remaining risk is extremely low,” John Douglas Jr., MD, executive director of the Tri-County Health Department, said in a news release. 

The locations are:

• Kumon Math and Reading Center of Highlands Ranch - East – 9362 S. Colorado Blvd. #D-08, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 – July 8, 3:30 p.m.-6:40 p.m. and July 11, 3:30 p.m.-6:40 p.m.
• King Soopers – 9551 S. University Blvd, Littleton, CO 80126 – July 11, 4:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.
• Panda Express – 9563 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126– July 11, 5:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
• Southeast Denver Pediatrics – 11960 Lioness Way #200, Parker, CO 80134– July 12, 9:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; July 13, 9:50 a.m.-12:35 p.m.; and July 14, 11:35 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
• Target – 10001 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO 80124– July 12, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• Sky Ridge Pediatric Emergency Department (Evergreen Building) – 10107 Ridge Gate Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124– July 14, 12:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.
• Pediatric Unit at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian St. Luke’s – 2001 High Street, Denver, CO 80205–  July 14, 8:30 p.m. to July 15, 3:30 a.m.

If you were at any of these locations during the listed time, officials say you should call your healthcare provider to get vaccinated and you should watch for symptoms.

"Measles is a respiratory illness that can be spread by coughing and sneezing, and can be very dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated, immune-compromised people, and those who have not been immunized," Tri-County health officials said. 

"If you actually do get sick, with a high fever, a cough or a rash... call your doctor, or emergency room. Tell them you think you've been exposed to measles," said Douglas. "That's what happened with this baby. His parents didn't know he had measles." 

For more information, call Tri-County Health Department at 303-220-9200, the COHELP InfoLine at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or visit the health department's website.