Doña Ana County: Measles cases reported in detention centers

SANTA FE – Four federal inmates held in southern New Mexico detention facilities have tested positive for measles, bringing the number of 2026 measles cases in the state to five. 

Two of the inmates are housed in the Luna County Detention Center, one is housed in the Doña Ana County Detention Center and the fourth is housed in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. Earlier this week the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported a federal inmate in the Hidalgo center tested positive for measles.

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NMDOH has not identified any public locations where exposure may have occurred and is coordinating with all the facilities to assure all quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed to minimize risk of measles spread.    

“These new infections serve as a reminder that measles can spread rapidly and that the best prevention against this virus is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH. “We encourage everyone eligible to receive vaccine, including those who work in correctional facilities and other congregate settings, to get vaccinated.” 

NMDOH reported 100 cases of measles in 2025 during an outbreak that ran from mid-February to mid-September.  

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 can pass measles to someone else from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.  

Call your doctor or emergency department first if you have symptoms and believe you were possibly exposed to measles – don’t just walk in – so they can plan for your visit and minimize exposure to other people. 

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).