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The diagnosis makes Chaves the third county affected by the ongoing measles outbreak in the southeastern part of the state.
Source: New Mexico Department of Health
Image: Courtesy CDC
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports an unvaccinated child in Chaves County has been diagnosed with measles.
The diagnosis makes Chaves the third county affected by the ongoing measles outbreak in the southeastern part of the state.
“A new case in a new county – and cases in now 22 U.S. states – is a reminder that measles is a highly contagious virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Chief Medical Officer. “It also underscores how the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.”
As of Tuesday, April 8, the total number of measles cases in New Mexico this year is 56. All but three of the cases are in Lea County, two are in Eddy County. Chaves County borders both of those counties.
The Chaves County Public Health Office, 200 East Chisum Street in Roswell is one of many public health offices in southeast New Mexico offering daily walk-in MMR vaccinations with no appointment necessary during regular business hours. For more information call (575) 624-6050.
Vaccination rates in the state and southeast area are up. Between Feb. 1 and April 3 of this year, 3,269 southeast New Mexico residents received the MMR vaccine – more than double the 1,508 MMR vaccinations administered in the region during the same period last year. Statewide, between Feb. 1 and April 3, 16,455 New Mexicans have received the vaccine compared to 8,842 last year.
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A person with measles can infect others from four days before rash onset through four days after the rash appears. Symptoms start with a cough, runny nose, and eye redness, and then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and over the body.
If you’re experiencing fever and rash, contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit. You can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). The Helpline is staffed by nurses who can provide guidance in English and Spanish related to measles and vaccination questions.
MMR vaccines are very effective against measles. One dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. The measles vaccine provides lifetime protection.
For more information, visit our website http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
