Possible measles exposure in Guadalupe and Valencia Counties 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports a Texas traveler visited Guadalupe and Valencia Counties while infectious with measles – creating potential for measles exposure on the following days and locations: 

 

• Saturday, March 8, from 2–4:30 p.m. at the TA Travel Center, 2634 U.S. Route 66 in Santa Rosa.   
• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9 at the Days Inn by Wyndham on 1919 Main St. SW in Los Lunas. 
• Sunday, March 9, from noon–3:30 p.m. at Sopa’s Restaurant, 1700 Bosque Farms Boulevard in Bosque Farms. 
• Monday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3674 NM-47 in Peralta. 

 

“Recent measles cases in Texas and New Mexico are a reminder to stay vigilant,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “When someone with measles travels, the virus can spread to unprotected communities—particularly during high-travel periods like spring break. Vaccination is our strongest defense: one dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective.”  

 

If you are unvaccinated against measles or are unsure of your vaccination status and visited any of the reported locations during the specified dates and times: 

 

• Check your vaccination status and get caught up on any missing doses.  
• Monitor yourself for symptoms, which can start with cough, runny nose, and eye redness, then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and spreads down the body.    
• If you develop symptoms, isolate and contact your healthcare provider to arrange measles testing or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). The Helpline is staffed by nurses able to provide guidance in English and in Spanish related to measles, testing and vaccination questions. 

 

The measles outbreak in New Mexico, currently at 38 cases, remains confined to Lea and Eddy Counties. Residents of these areas should prepare for continued exposure to measles as long as the virus circulates within their communities.  

 

For additional information about measles, symptoms, vaccination safety and case numbers, visit http://measles.doh.nm.gov.