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New measles case reported in Valencia County
SANTA FE – An unvaccinated child in Valencia County has tested positive for measles – bringing the total number of 2026 measles cases in New Mexico to 19, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.
The child is recovering at home.
People may have been exposed to measles from this most recent case at the following locations, days and time:
- Thursday, September 3, 8:30-1:45 p.m.: Building Blocks Learning Center, 303 W Reinken Ave, Belen
- Friday, September 4, 1-3:30 p.m.: Walmart, 1 I-25 Bypass, Belen
- Tuesday, September 8, 8:25 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.: Presbyterian Urgent Care, 609 Christopher Road, Belen
If you were at either 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 New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance.
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 are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.
“Every new measles case is a reminder you can protect yourself and your loved ones with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination - the best protection against this virus,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH.
NMDOH encourages New Mexicans to check their vaccination records and get an MMR vaccination if need be.
Anyone with questions about measles and vaccinations may call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
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