Cases include one new case in Eddy County
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the case count for measles has risen to 33, including a new case in Eddy County, the first outside of Lea County.
Most of the cases involve unvaccinated residents. State health officials say this is not a rapidly expanding outbreak, but a situation where cases have been occurring steadily over time. To date, one of the cases has required hospitalization.
“Any measles diagnosis is a concern, and we are watching every case closely,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We are heartened by the number of New Mexicans getting vaccinated in response to this outbreak.”
Since Feb. 1, nearly 9,000 New Mexicans have received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine – as compared to 5,342 MMR vaccinations in the same time period last year.
NMDOH will hold a free vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at our Carlsbad Public Health Office at 1306 W. Stevens St. in Eddy County, which borders Lea County to the west.
Measles is extremely contagious: a person with measles can infect others from four days before rash onset through four days after the rash appears.
In enclosed spaces, the virus can stay in the air for two hours after an infected person has left. Symptoms start with a cough, runny nose, and eye redness, and then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and spreads down the body.
If you’re experiencing fever and rash, contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit. You can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). The Helpline is staffed by nurses who can provide guidance in English and Spanish related to measles and vaccination questions.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from a measles infection. One dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. The measles vaccine provides lifetime protection.
For more information visit our website http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
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