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New measles case reported in Eddy County
SANTA FE – An unvaccinated adult in Eddy County has tested positive for measles – bringing the total number of 2026 measles cases in New Mexico to 18.
The individual with measles most likely acquired the infection out-of-state and developed symptoms after arriving in New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
People may have been exposed to measles from this most recent case at the following locations, days and time:
Thursday, August 6 through Monday, August 10:
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers campus at 1793 N 13th St. in Artesia.
Sunday, August 9:
7:30-10 a.m. at Walmart, 604 N 26th St. in Artesia.
Monday, August 10 through Tuesday, August 11:
9:15 p.m.- 3:50 a.m. Artesia General Hospital Emergency Room, 702 N 13 St. in Artesia.
If you were at any 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 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.
“With measles still active around the country, the New Mexico Department of Health encourages people to check their vaccination status and get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination if needed,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH. “Vaccination is the best tool for protection from measles.”
NMDOH is coordinating with the training center to assure all quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed to minimize risk of measles spread.
Anyone with questions about measles and vaccinations may call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance from nurses in English and Spanish. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
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