The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) announced today that two children from Taos County are the first confirmed measles cases in the state since 2021. The children, both under 10 years old, live in the same household, were not vaccinated, and developed fever and rash after returning from international travel.
The only known public exposure occurred at the Aspen Medical Center Urgent Care at 411 Santa Clara Bridge Rd in Española, New Mexico.
“The Department of Health has identified and contacted potentially exposed people to let them know what to do and any symptoms to look for,” said Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary. “If someone was at this urgent care location at the above days and times and has not yet been contacted by the department, please call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).”
“Measles is extremely contagious and can remain in the air up to two hours after a person with measles leaves the room,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMHealth’s Chief Medical Officer. “Fortunately, the measles vaccine is safe and very effective at protecting against measles.”
Because of how easily measles can spread, people exposed have had their vaccine records checked to ensure they were vaccinated. They have been advised that should they develop an illness to call their medical provider first to arrange being seen without exposing other patients to the virus in the waiting room.
Symptoms of measles can 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 downward. Complications are more common in children under five years old and adults over 20 years old and can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. About one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized; some die from measles. Measles requires laboratory testing for confirmation.
The cases in Taos County underscore the importance of all New Mexicans checking their vaccine records to ensure they are up-to-date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If you have other laboratory evidence of immunity or were born before 1957, you are considered immune to measles. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97 percent effective against disease.
Adults needing a measles vaccine can contact their medical provider or local pharmacy or make an appointment at their local public health office. For assistance finding a provider for the vaccine, call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
Vaccines are available without charge for any child in New Mexico under the Vaccines for Children program regardless of insurance status. Children without insurance coverage can get vaccinated from their healthcare provider or local public health office. Public health office contact information is available online at nmhealth.org.
Medical providers are required by state statute to report suspect cases of measles to NMHealth’s Epidemiology and Response Division. They may also use the NMHealth Helpline for reporting cases.
For additional information about this press release, contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office). An accessible Spanish version of this release is also available via a provided link.
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