The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a regular meeting on June 10, 2025, where public health concerns, particularly regarding measles and wastewater monitoring, were at the forefront of discussions.

During the meeting, health officials reported a rise in measles cases in Colorado, with 14 confirmed cases, eight of which were linked to exposure on an international flight. The officials emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that the best protection against measles is two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective. They highlighted that even vaccinated individuals could contract the virus under certain conditions, stressing the need for continued public health vigilance.

The meeting also addressed the current status of bird flu in Colorado, which remains a low risk for humans. Officials noted that there have been no new human cases since 2024, although monitoring continues for potential outbreaks among poultry and dairy workers.

In addition to these health updates, the commissioners discussed wastewater data related to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The latest reports indicated a decrease in COVID-19 trends across the state, with no recent detections in Ridgeway's wastewater. However, the commissioners expressed concern over the inability to partner with the Ouray wastewater treatment plant for sampling due to staffing limitations. They discussed potential solutions, including involving trained personnel from local organizations to assist with sampling efforts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring public health issues and exploring partnerships to enhance data collection, especially during the busy summer tourist season. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of proactive measures to safeguard community health as visitor numbers increase.