Measles virus detected in Deming wastewater sample, health officials warn

State epidemiologists say someone in Luna County was infectious around June 10 — and more cases may follow

Organ Mountain News report

DEMING - New Mexico health officials have detected the measles virus in a wastewater sample collected in Deming on June 10 — an early warning sign that someone in the area may have been infectious.

The New Mexico Department of Health said Tuesday the positive result came from a routine monitoring effort that began in March at 11 wastewater treatment plants across the state, including one in Deming. While the presence of the virus in sewage does not confirm when or how many people are infected, it suggests undiagnosed cases may be circulating.

“This detection tells us there was at least one person infectious with measles in Deming on June 10 that has gone undiagnosed,” said Dr. Daniel Sosin, NMDOH medical epidemiologist. “We expect that there may be more cases in Luna County in the coming days.”

The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted days before symptoms appear. As of Tuesday, 81 measles cases have been reported statewide. The Deming wastewater detection does not count as a new case but has prompted state officials to urge Luna County residents to check their vaccination status.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely considered the best protection against infection. Since Feb. 1, NMDOH reports that more than 36,000 New Mexicans have received the MMR shot.

Measles symptoms typically appear between seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes — followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head downward. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it resolves.

State health officials recommend anyone experiencing symptoms to stay home and contact their healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

For more information, visit measles.doh.nm.gov.