County to follow DOH lead if measles spreads here

BERNALILLO -- Measles cases have been confirmed in Lea County, New Mexico, which borders a West Texas county that had several cases. It was announced Feb. 26 that one unvaccinated child, died from the disease in Texas.

New Mexico Department of Health has focused its attention on mitigating the effects of the fast-spreading disease and many counties plan to follow its lead. Sandoval County is no different.

Jayme Espinoza, director of Community Services in Sandoval County, said Feb. 26 the county will follow recommendations from the state epidemiologist, a disease expert, if the measles spreads into the region. So far, no cases have been reported in the area.

Measles was considered eradicated in 2000, but New Mexico started seeing some cases pop up in 2021.

According to the DOH, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine works very well, making it far less likely for people to get measles than an unvaccinated person with no immunity. Those born before 1957 are already immune.

“Vaccination provides strong protection; however, if you are vaccinated and develop symptoms after exposure, consult a health care provider. Most adults vaccinated as children are presumed to be immune,” a release on the Lea County outbreak states.

College students, health care personnel and international travelers are considered high-risk adults and need two doses of MMR. Children should also receive two doses: one each at 12 months and 4 years old.

Measles symptoms can show up seven to 21 days after exposure. DOH lists symptoms of measles as fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward across the body. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles are hospitalized.

DOH advised people to check their records and ask their medical provider or pharmacy for information. It also states adults should visit public health offices while supplies last. Children’s vaccines are free under the Vaccines for Children program.

On Feb. 28, DOH released a dedicated web resource to address the rising measles cases within state boundaries.

“While measles outbreaks don’t respect state lines, our response is uniquely New Mexican—comprehensive, bilingual, and accessible to all communities,” said Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We created this resource to empower New Mexicans with clear information about vaccinations effectively protecting families from measles and preventing further spread within our communities.”

People can check their vaccination records via Vax View or by calling the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-796-8773. The helpline can also help find vaccination locations and is staffed by nurses for help in English and Spanish for questions about where to go for and what to know about vaccinations.

These are New Mexico’s first measles cases since 2024, with two cases reported last year. Prior to that, the state’s most recent cases were reported in 2021.

For more information, visit nmdoh.gov.