New measles case confirmed at Doña Ana County Detention Center
A federal inmate at the Doña Ana County Detention Center has tested positive for measles, with possible exposure reported at the U.S. District Court building in Las Cruces.
Possible exposure reported at U.S. District Court building in Las Cruces
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - A federal inmate held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center has tested positive for measles, bringing the total number of measles cases reported in New Mexico this year to six, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Health officials said people may have been exposed to measles at the U.S. District Court building, located at 100 N. Church Street in Las Cruces, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 24.
Anyone who was at the courthouse during that time should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, through March 17.
If symptoms develop, health officials advise people to stay home to prevent spreading the virus and contact a healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 for guidance.
Symptoms to watch for
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes.
A red, spotted rash usually appears later, beginning on the head or face before spreading down the body.
People with measles can spread the virus to others from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward.
Cases linked to detention facilities
All six measles cases reported in New Mexico this year involve federal detainees.
Two cases have been reported at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, two at the Hidalgo County Detention Center and two at the Luna County Detention Center, according to NMDOH.
“The New Mexico Department of Health continues to urge people to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. Vaccine is the best tool to protect you from measles,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the health department.
The health department said it is working with all three detention facilities to ensure quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed.
Vaccination teams have been sent to each facility to help reduce the risk of further spread.
More information
People with questions about measles or vaccinations can contact the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773. Nurses are available to assist callers in English and Spanish.
Questions can also be sent by text to 66364.
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