The New Mexico Department of Health warned that a Texas traveler who had measles was in Guadalupe and Valencia counties earlier this month, giving the opportunity for exposure to the highly infectious disease.
The public locations with possible measles exposures in New Mexico from the Texas traveler are as follows:
- 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,” NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miranda Durham said. “When someone with measles travels, the virus can spread to unprotected communities—particularly during high-travel periods like spring break.”
She added that one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective against measles and two doses are 97 percent effective.
Southeast New Mexico cases reach 38
In southeastern New Mexico, an outbreak has 38 confirmed cases of measles, with 36 in Lea County and two in Eddy County.
The department said the number of cases is not increasing dramatically, with the following timeline of cases:
- Week 1 (2/9-2/15): 14
- Week 2 (2/16-2/22): 6
- Week 3 (2/23-3/1): 8
- Week 4 (3/2-3/8): 6
- Week 5 (3/9-15): 4
Of those who have confirmed measles cases, 29 are not vaccinated, four were vaccinated with at least one dose and five other cases have unknown vaccination status. Two patients have been hospitalized and one person with measles died, per NMDOH.
In Texas, health officials have identified 279 measles cases since late January, including many in counties that border New Mexico.NMDOH is hosting vaccine clinics throughout the state. Those with questions can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
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