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Public Health Agency

Announcements


Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that can spread rapidly through airborne particles.  The United States is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles with over 1,000 confirmed cases nationwide. Symptoms including fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash typically develop 7-21 days after exposure. The best protection for measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, as 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become infected if exposed to the disease. 

Colorado has 11 confirmed cases of measles as of June 3rd, 2025. Six of these cases are associated with an infectious out-of-state passenger who flew on Turkish Airlines flight 201 and arrived at Denver International Airport on May 13th. Three of the Colorado cases were on the plane, and three were exposed at the airport. Gilpin County currently has no known cases of measles. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers up-to-date information on measles in Colorado, including a current list of known exposure locations. If you were at any of these locations during the exposure period and have developed symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider, emergency room, or an urgent care by phone and explain that you believe you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead ensures the provider is equipped to handle measles, which prevents further exposures. 

Please contact Gilpin County Public Health at 303-582-5803 or email mlarson@gilpincounty.org if you have any questions, or for assistance in finding a healthcare location.  

Measles Testing Locations 

CommonSpirit Emergency and Urgent Care, Golden 

  • 760 Warner Dr, Golden CO 80401
  • 303-925-4360

CommonSpirit Emergency and Urgent Care 

  • 3280 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood Co 80227
  • 303-649-3620

Arvada CareNow Urgent Care

  • 6413 Fig St, Arvada CO 80004
  • 720-449-8060

Concentra Urgent Care Boulder 

  • 3300 28th Street, Boulder CO 80301
  • 303-541-9090

FREE Blood Lead Testing

Gilpin County Public Health is now offering FREE blood lead testing! 

Due to Gilpin County's history of mining, blood lead testing is important for residents who may be vulnerable. Testing is particularly important for:

  • Children age 0 to 6 
  • Pregnant women
  • Women planning to become pregnant 

Testing only requires a simple finger stick, and results are available in 3 minutes.

Available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm at the Gilpin Public Health Office, 15193 Hwy 119 Black Hawk, 80422

Call or email Marie Larson, Community Health Specialist, for questions or to schedule an appointment. 

720-669-6989

mlarson@gilpincounty.org

Learn more about lead and your health

Respiratory Virus Guidance Update

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated guidance outlining best practices for handling common respiratory viruses, including for COVID 19, Flu, and RSV.

CDC’s first recommendation for people who get sick with a respiratory virus is simple: Stay home and away from others.

Updated COVID 19 recommendations include: 

  • Returning to normal activities when symptoms have been getting better overall for 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone for 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication. 
  • Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.

For more information, please visit the CDC website on Respiratory Virus Guidance

Picture of the Public Health Building

Contact Public Health 

ALISA WITT, MPH

Public Health Director 
303-582-5803

Office Address

15193 Hwy. 119
Black Hawk, CO 80422
Located in the new Human Services Building across the street from the County Transfer Station (dump).

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Water Samples

Water samples are accepted Monday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Samples will not be run the day before State holidays. Water samples must be tested within 24 hours of collection.

Services We Provide

Vaccine information

Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

  • Chronic disease information
  • Women and children's resources
  • Mental health resources
  • Nicotine and tobacco resources

Environmental Health

  • Radon information
  • Well water testing

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

  • Flood preparedness
  • Wildfire preparedness
  • Winter weather preparedness

Vital Records

Marriage Certificates: contact Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder

Birth and Death Certificates: contact Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Mission

The mission of Gilpin County Public Health is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellbeing of all Gilpin County community members and of the environment in which they live.

Vision

Gilpin County Public Health will work in collaboration with fellow public health agencies and organizations across the state of Colorado to provide residents with the best health resources and information available. The goal of Gilpin County Public Health is to help our community achieve the highest possible standard of well being, and we strongly believe that health is a fundamental human right. We serve to promote and protect the quality of life for all Gilpin County residents, and to maintain the environment that we all share.