Wastewater testing reveals measles virus in Roswell sample

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports finding a positive measles sample via wastewater testing in Roswell. 
 
The sample, taken on June 3, is part of a wastewater testing initiative the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is conducting in 11 treatment facilities around the state since mid-March. 
 
“While wastewater testing cannot tell us the timing, location or number of people infected with measles, this detection tells us there was at least one person infectious with measles in Roswell around June 3 and puts us on notice there may be more cases in Chaves County in the coming days,” said Dr. Daniel Sosin, NMDOH Medical Epidemiologist.  
 
The last laboratory-confirmed measles case in Chaves County, where Roswell is located, was on April 5. There are currently 81 measles cases reported in New Mexico.  
 
The wastewater sample does not represent an official measles case, but the positive sample is a reminder for Chaves County residents to check their vaccination status when it comes to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, considered the best protection against the measles virus. 
 
To date, 34,210 New Mexicans have received MMR shots since Feb. 1.  
 
NMDOH conducts weekly wastewater measles testing in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County, Carlsbad, Chaparral, Deming, Las Cruces, Portales, Rincon, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Santa Fe and the South Central treatment plant in Doña Ana County.  
 
Measles symptoms develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. People can pass measles to someone else anywhere between four days before to four days after the rash is gone.  
 
If you develop symptoms of measles stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance.  
 
For more information about measles, visit http://measles.doh.nm.gov/. 

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