Cases reported in Doña Ana, Luna and Hidalgo county facilities; health officials deploy vaccination teams
SANTA FE - New Mexico’s measles case count has risen to 15, with all cases linked to detention centers in southern New Mexico, including three in Doña Ana County, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Wednesday.
Ten cases have been identified at the Luna County Detention Center, three at the Doña Ana County Detention Center and two at the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All of the cases involve federal detainees.
The New Mexico Department of Health said it has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities in an effort to reduce the risk of further spread.
“Measles is very contagious and there have been almost 1,500 measles infections reported this year in the United States,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist with the department. “The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated.”
Health officials are encouraging residents to review their vaccination records as spring travel increases the risk of exposure, particularly for those traveling out of state or internationally.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously praised the state’s public messaging and vaccination efforts during the 2025 measles outbreak. More than 60,000 people received MMR vaccinations during that period, a 55% increase over the same time the previous year.
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure and begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body.
People can spread measles from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
Health officials advise anyone who believes they may have been exposed to call ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency department to help prevent further exposure.
Residents can check their vaccination status at https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/ or call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.
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