Measles case confirmed in Doña Ana County, prompting vaccine guidance
An unvaccinated child in Doña Ana County has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first local case tied to a growing outbreak in New Mexico. Health officials are urging vaccinations and listing possible exposure sites.
First local case tied to statewide outbreak as health officials urge vaccinations for infants and families
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - An unvaccinated child in Doña Ana County has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first case identified in the county and expanding a statewide outbreak that has now reached four counties.
The New Mexico Department of Health said the child is one of five new confirmed cases — the others in Lea County — bringing the total number of measles cases in the state to 63. All are among people who were unvaccinated.
Health officials are urging families to take precautions, including ensuring that children receive a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine if they live in, or are traveling to, Doña Ana or Lea counties. Infants between 6 and 11 months old are specifically recommended to receive a dose of MMR under these conditions.
“Given how contagious measles is we expected it to find its way from El Paso County in Texas to neighboring Doña Ana County,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer at the Department of Health. “No matter where you live in New Mexico, make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations.”
Statewide vaccination rates are rising. Between Feb. 1 and April 14, more than 18,400 MMR vaccinations were administered — nearly double the number given during the same period last year.
Possible exposure sites in Las Cruces
Health officials say the child diagnosed in Doña Ana County may have exposed others to measles at several Las Cruces locations:
- April 2, noon to 6 p.m. at Kid’s Kountry Place Preschool and Childcare, 3704 Elks Drive
- April 3, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Center, 2605 Terrace Drive
- April 6, 1 to 7:15 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department, 2450 S. Telshor Boulevard
- April 7, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Center
- April 8, 7:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at both the Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department and Pediatric Unit
Anyone who was at those locations during the listed times and develops symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose or rash should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
If you believe you’ve been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, call the New Mexico Department of Health Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for advice from nurses in English or Spanish. Officials ask residents to call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency room so that staff can take precautions.
Free MMR vaccinations available
The Department of Health is offering walk-in MMR vaccinations at public health offices in Las Cruces with no appointment required:
- Las Cruces Public Health Office, 1170 N. Solano Drive: Mondays, 1–3 p.m.; Fridays, 9–11 a.m. — call (575) 528-5001
- East Mesa Public Health Office, 5220 Holman Road: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. — call (575) 382-0540
Measles cases have now been confirmed in Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy and Lea counties.
For more information about measles, including resources in English and Spanish, visit measles.doh.nm.gov.