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NMDOH reports one additional case in Lea County – that of an adult of unknown vaccination status – bringing the total number of measles cases in New Mexico to 81 over seven counties.
Source: NM Deparment of Health
Photo: Courtesy CDC
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirms the first measles case in San Juan County: a child under the age of four with one dose of vaccine who contracted the virus on a domestic flight.
“Travel can increase the risk of exposure,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or abroad, before you go make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines.”
While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times:
San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times:
- Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. – Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 28 from 2 – 4 p.m.
San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington:
- Friday, May 30 from 8:15 – 10:30 a.m.
In addition, NMDOH reports one additional case in Lea County – that of an adult of unknown vaccination status – bringing the total number of measles cases in New Mexico to 81 over seven counties. Exposures to this case may have occurred at the following location:
NorLea Hobbs Medical Clinic, 1923 N Dal Paso St in Hobbs
- Tuesday, May 27 from 8:45 – 11:30 a.m.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people, and they are less likely to spread the disease to other people. However, if you were at one of these locations, check your vaccination status and report any measles symptoms in the next 21 days to your health care provider.
Measles symptoms develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include 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 anywhere between four days before to four days after the rash is gone.
If you develop symptoms of measles stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance.
Prevention is the best defense against measles. The San Juan County Public Health Office, 355 South Miller Avenue in Farmington provides no cost measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with no appointment necessary, weekdays 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m.
Also, the Lea County Public Health Office in Hobbs, 1923 North Del Paso Street is providing MMR vaccinations during regular business hours: 8 a.m. – noon and 1 –5 p.m.
Other public health office locations providing MMR vaccinations can be found online at http://measles.doh.nm.gov/ (temporarily unavailable).
