New Mexico measles cases hit 100, health officials urge vaccination

Three new infections in Santa Fe County push statewide total to triple digits; measles remains highly contagious.

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - Three new measles cases among unvaccinated Santa Fe County residents have pushed New Mexico’s total to 100, state health officials said Thursday.

Between Feb. 1 and Aug. 13, 48,620 New Mexicans received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which the New Mexico Department of Health says is the best defense against the virus.

“We remain grateful New Mexicans continue to get their measles vaccination in an effort to slow the spread of the virus,” NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miranda Durham said in a statement. “Without that, measles outbreaks are more likely to last longer and grow over time.”

Measles can spread from four days before a rash appears through four days afterward. In enclosed spaces, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

Symptoms typically start with cough, runny nose and eye redness, followed by fever and rash. The rash begins on the head and spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infections and pneumonia.

Anyone with fever and rash is urged to call their health care provider or emergency department before arriving, or contact the NMDOH Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (833-796-8773) for guidance in English or Spanish.

One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective. The vaccine provides lifetime protection, according to NMDOH.

More information is available at measles.doh.nm.gov.