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Measles cases in Lea County rise to 30
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirms that the measles outbreak in Lea County has resulted in one death and a total of 30 cases since Feb. 9.
The increase in case numbers reflects test results from the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division combined with cases discovered during epidemiologic investigations of known patients. These cases did not occur simultaneously, but were identified retrospectively, with many detected only after patients had already recovered from their illness.
The deceased, an unvaccinated Lea County adult, tested positive for measles after death and did not seek medical care before passing, according to laboratory confirmation from the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division, though the official cause of death remains under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
“The large majority of Lea County residents are vaccinated and well-protected even if they come into contact with the virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “Most confirmed measles cases involve people unvaccinated and have occurred over an extended period of time.”
Of the total cases, all have been residents of Lea County and include 26 adults and four children under the age of 17. The majority of cases involved unvaccinated individuals. Health officials emphasize this is not a rapidly expanding outbreak. The cases have been occurring steadily over time.
- Week 1 (Feb. 9-15): 14 cases
- Week 2 (Feb. 16-22): 6 cases
- Week 3 (Feb. 23-March 1): 6 cases
- Week 4 (March 2-8): 4 cases
Measles is extremely contagious: a person with measles can infect others from four days before rash onset through four days after the rash appears.
In enclosed spaces, the virus can stay in the air for two hours after an infected person has left. Symptoms start with cough, runny nose, and eye redness, then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and spreads down the body.
If you’re experiencing fever and rash, call 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 able to provide guidance in English and in Spanish related to measles and vaccination questions.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from a measles infection. One dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. The measles vaccine provides lifetime protection.
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