ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the first incidence of measles since 2021. Two children from Taos County have confirmed cases, DOH says.
The two children are under the age of 10 and were not vaccinated against measles, DOH says. The two children live in the same home and recently returned from international travel.
The DOH says the only known public exposure occurred at the Aspen Medical Center Urgent Care in Española on Sunday, May 26 (11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and Tuesday, May 28 (9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). DOH has already identified and contacted potentially exposed people, NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen said in a press release.
“If someone was at this urgent care location at the above days and times and has not yet been contacted by the department, please call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773),” Allen said.
Measles spreads easily and symptoms can develop seven to 21 days after exposure, DOH says. “Measles is extremely contagious and can remain in the air up to two hours after a person with measles leaves the room,” Dr. Miranda Durham, NMHealth’s chief medical officer, said in a press release. “Fortunately, the measles vaccine is safe and very effective at protecting against measles.”
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward to cover the rest of the body, DOH says. Complications can occur, particularly in children under the age of five and in adults over the age of 20.
To prevent measles infections, DOH recommends making sure children and adults are vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. That includes:
One or more doses of MMR vaccine for preschool-aged children and adults not at high risk.
Two doses of MMR vaccine for school-aged children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel and international travelers.
Adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles, DOH says. Adults who need a measles vaccine can contact their doctor, pharmacy or the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). Children can receive free vaccinations (even without insurance) through New Mexico’s Vaccines for Children Program at the DOH. You can find office locations at this link.
