New measles cases in Sandoval County
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports four additional measles cases in Sandoval County, bringing the total there to six and raising the statewide count to 78.
The new cases are that of an infant too young for vaccination and three adults, each with at least one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
People may have been exposed to measles from these latest cases at the following locations, days and times:
- Longhorn Steakhouse, 6600 Menaul Boulevard NE in Albuquerque on Friday, May 2 from 1 – 5 p.m.
- Walmart, 8000 Academy Road. NE in Albuquerque on Saturday, May 3 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood, 5220 Eubank Boulevard NE in Albuquerque on Sunday, May 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE in Albuquerque on Sunday, May 4 from 9 – 11 p.m.
- UNM Hospital General Pediatric Unit on Wednesday, May 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m.
- Common areas of the UNM Hospital Pavillion between Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 15.
- Walmart, 5701 Herrera Drive in Santa Fe on Saturday, May 17 from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
- Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center Emergency Department, 4801 Beckner Road in Santa Fe Saturday, May 17 from 6 - 9 a.m.
If you were at one of these locations, check your vaccination status and report any measles symptoms in the next 21 days to your health care provider. 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.
At a news conference Thursday highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly as the summer travel season approaches, Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH chief medical officer, said, “Travel is a risk for measles spread.” She said the current measles outbreak is “the largest New Mexico has seen in many years.”
For adults born after 1957, one dose of MMR is protective. For adults who are unsure of their vaccination history, NMDOH recommends getting one dose of MMR. For adults who live in or travel to areas where there are active measles cases, two doses are recommended. While one dose is highly protective, two doses are 97% protective. Disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people, and they are less likely to spread the disease to other people.
Gina DeBlassie, secretary of NMDOH, emphasized Thursday the best protection against measles remains the MMR vaccination. “We want to make sure everybody stays safe,” she said.
The state measles cases are now spread over six counties: Lea County has had 65 cases, Sandoval 6, Eddy 3, Doña Ana 2 and Curry and Chaves counties 1 case each.
Measles usually starts with a cough, runny nose and red eyes followed by a fever and rash. The rash begins at the head and spreads downward. A person with measles can spread it to others from 4 days before the rash shows up to 4 days after it goes away. You may also contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit.
More information about measles is available in English and Spanish at http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.