Measles cases in state outbreak rise to 54.
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports the case count for measles has risen to 54.
All but two of the cases are in Lea County. The remaining cases are in Eddy County.
Most of the cases involve unvaccinated residents. State health officials say this is not a rapidly expanding outbreak, but a situation where cases have been occurring steadily over time.
"We are grateful for the response New Mexicans have had in getting their measles vaccination over these last two months,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Chief Medical Officer. “Without it, measles outbreaks are more likely to last longer and increase over time."
Between Feb. 1 and April 3 of this year, 15,718 New Mexicans have received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine – nearly double the 8,472 MMR vaccinations administered during the same period last year.
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 a cough, runny nose, and eye redness, and then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and spreads down 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/.
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