State measles count rises to 15

SANTA FE – New Mexico’s measles case count has risen to 15, all linked to three county detention centers, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.
 
Ten cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Doña Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All the cases involve federal detainees. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to reduce the risk of further spread.
 
“Measles is very contagious and there have been almost 1500 measles infections reported this year in the United States. The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, medical epidemiologist with NMDOH.
  
New Mexico health officials encourage residents to review their vaccination records, including for measles, as spring travel season continues and can lead to additional risks, particularly if traveling out of state or country.
 
Earlier this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention praised NMDOH for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the state’s 2025 measles outbreak. More than 60,000 people got MMR shots during that time period – an increase of 55% over the same time period the previous year.
 
Measles symptoms develop between seven and 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically begin with 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 from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.
 
Call your doctor or emergency department first if you have symptoms and believe you were possibly exposed to measles – don't just walk in – so health providers can plan for your visit and minimize exposure to other people.
  
Those who are unsure about their vaccination status can access vaccination records at https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/ or through the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance from nurses in English and Spanish. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
 
More information on measles can be on NMHealth.org in English and Spanish.

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