Measles cases confirmed in Sandoval County

BERNALILLO — Cases of the measles has been confirmed in Sandoval County, the New Mexico Department of Health announced Thursday.

According to a news release, the cases were found in an adult of unknown vaccination status and an unvaccinated child under the age of 4.

The NMDOH also noted that others in the community may have been exposed to the measles at several different locations: Presbyterian Rust Hospital Emergency Department, noon to 4 p.m. April 30 and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11; Presbyterian Rust Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic, 2-4:30 p.m. May 1; Trader Joe’s on Holly Avenue in Albuquerque, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6; and Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ in Cedar Crest, noon to 3 p.m. May 10.

“If you have been exposed to measles and are vaccinated, your risk of getting sick is low,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH chief medical officer. “Watch for symptoms but know that the vaccine is very good at preventing measles.”

Measles symptoms start with a cough, runny nose and eye redness and progress to fever and rash that starts working its way from the head down. People with measles can infect others from four days before the rash appears and still be contagious four days after the rash is gone, the NMDOH said.

Those with symptoms who believe they were possibly exposed to measles should call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish. They may also contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit.

The Helpline can also help assure residents’ vaccination records are up to date and can assist with vaccine scheduling for both adults and children.

In addition to Sandoval County, measles cases have been diagnosed in Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy and Lea counties. With these latest cases, the statewide total rises to 73 of the more than 1,000 nationwide.

The Sandoval County Public Health Office, 1500 Idalia Road NE in Bernalillo, offers the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination with no appointment necessary from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, call 505-867-2291, extension 1707.

More information about measles is available in English and Spanish at measles.doh.nm.gov/.