Communicable Diseases

Routt County Public Health is charged with tracking communicable diseases in our area. If you are concerned you have contracted a communicable disease please seek medical advice from your doctor or a medical provider in the area.

                   MPOX (MPV)

General Information 

  • Please click here to visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) website for the most up to date information on mpox in Colorado. 

Vaccine Information

  • Some people who have been recently exposed to mpox, or are at high risk for exposure, should get a vaccine called Jynneos. The FDA has fully approved this vaccine. Colorado currently has a limited supply of the vaccine from the federal government. For more information from CDPHE on the mpox vaccine please click here. 
  • Due to the limited availability of the Jynneos vaccine, Routt County Public Health is asking you to complete the screening form linked below if you are interested in mpox vaccination. The screening form will be used to contact individuals that are eligible for vaccination and does not guarantee an appointment.
    • Please click here to access Routt County Public Health's Mpox Vaccination Screening Form 
    • Haga clic aquí para acceder al Formulario de detección de vacunas contra Mpox de Salud Pública del Condado de Routt
  • Those who currently qualify for vaccination are:
    • Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) who has had close physical contact with someone who has mpox in the last 14 days.
    • Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) who:
      • Has had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days, or 
      • Has had sexual partners they did not previously know in the last 14 days, or
      • Has had close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur in the last 14 days, or
      • Was diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in the past three months, or
      • Already uses or is eligible for HIV PrEP (medication to prevent HIV, e.g. Truvada or Descovy or Apretude), or
      • Engages in commercial and/or transactional sex (e.g. sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs).
    • Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has mpox. 

Anyone who meets these criteria should talk with a healthcare provider to determine whether vaccination is right for them.

Virus image COVID-19

  • Routt County Public Health continues to monitor COVID-19 transmission throughout our county. Please visit the COVID-19 tab here on our main website to access information on local case data, local testing, vaccination sites, and more.
  • CDC - National COVID-19 Information 


flu virusInfluenza

  • The flu season typically coincides with our peak ski season, meaning people congregating at restaurants, ski lodges and other public areas creates the opportunity for flu transmission. Residents should protect themselves with the flu vaccine and other common hygiene practices. 
  • CDC - National Influenza Information
  • CDPHE - Colorado Specific Flu Data and Information


18269Rabies

Routt County residents live closely with wildlife, therefore there is a risk of contracting rabies. Rabies is rarely transmitted to humans but nearly all cases are fatal. If the transmission is suspected due to contact with wildlife or domestic animals, seek medical advice immediately. Treatment is available,                               but it needs to be started as soon as possible.  


23156West Nile Virus

  • Whether you are floating the Yampa River or working the fields, mosquitoes are around and can transmit West Nile Virus. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado has had cases of West Nile virus every year since 2002. Routt County has seen few of those cases but neighboring counties have seen more. Protect yourself with mosquito repellent, and the four D's (Drain, Dress, Defend, Dawn/Dusk).  
  • CSU Extension Office - FAQ's
  • CDPHE - General Information


8359_loresHantavirus

Cleaning out your ski cabin? Sprucing up your tack room? Cleaning out the attic? If mice can live there, so can the Hantavirus. Hantavirus is uncommonly transmitted to humans, but found in the Northwest Colorado Region. Few cases have been reported in Routt County since 1993. If you think there are mice droppings around, protect yourself by wearing gloves and a dust mask.



22513_loresOther Communicable Diseases

  • If Residents cannot find what they are looking for here, please go to the CDPHE site where you will find a complete list of all Colorado communicable diseases and information about them.

  • CDPHE - Disease Directory