NM measles cases rise to 78, with possible exposures at Santa Fe and Albuquerque Walmarts
A nurse gives a measles shot on May 23, 2024. (Julia Goldberg / Source NM)
New Mexico health officials on Friday reported four more measles cases in Sandoval County, bringing the statewide total to 78. The new cases also brought possible exposures in Santa Fe County, where cases have not yet been reported.
The new cases include an infant too young for vaccination and three adults who had each had at least one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to a news release.
Six counties now have cases:
• 65 in Lea County
• six in Sandoval County
• three in Eddy County
• two in Doña Ana County
• one each in Curry and Chaves counties
NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Miranda Durham and DOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie held a news conference Thursday in Albuquerque to issue new recommendations for children in counties with measles cases to receive a first injection earlier than standard protocol and have three, rather than two, shots overall.
Durham also noted during the news conference that travel presents 'a risk for measles spread and that the current outbreak is New Mexico's largest in many years.
Both Durham and DeBlassie continue to reference vaccines as the only fully preventative method against measles. 'We want to make sure everybody stays safe,' DeBlassie said.
The new cases may have involved exposures at the following times, days and locations:
1-5 p.m., Friday, May 2: Longhorn Steakhouse, 6600 Menaul Boulevard NE
6:30 to 9 pm, Saturday, May 3: Walmart, 8000 Academy Road, NE
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4: Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood, 5220 Eubank Boulevard NE
9-11 p.m., Sunday, May 4: University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE
1 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14: UNM Hospital General Pediatric Unit
Between Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 15:Common areas of the UNM Hospital Pavillion
7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17: Walmart, 5701 Herrera Drive
6a.m. to 9 a.m., Saturday, May 17: Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center Emergency Department, 4801 Beckner Road
Durham recommended Thursday that infants as young as six months could be eligible for a third measles vaccination dose if residing in or traveling to high measles spread areas.
Adults born after 1957 are recommended to have at least one dose of the vaccine, but two doses offers 97% protection from the measles infection and prevents spread. Measles symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people.
NMDOH is offering free measles vaccines at offices around the state, which are listed on the department's measles webpage.
New Mexico residents can check their records online at the state Vax View website or call the NMDOH hotline at 1-833-796-8773. The hotline is staffed by nurses, who can offer measles vaccine or further testing information in English and Spanish.
NMDOH urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as a fever or rash, or concerned about a possible measles exposure, to call the hotline, or call a doctor's office before arrival, to allow health providers to prepare for a potential measles case.
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