Unvaccinated adult dies after measles infection in New Mexico, health officials say
The Brief
An unvaccinated adult in Lea County, New Mexico, has died after contracting measles, though the virus has not been confirmed as the cause.
The 10th confirmed measles case in Lea County, with six adults and four children infected.
The death follows a measles outbreak in West Texas, where 159 cases have been identified.
New Mexico health officials confirmed that an unvaccinated adult from Lea County died after a measles infection, though it has not been officially listed as the cause of death. The person did not seek medical care, and few details about their age or health history have been released.
The death is the 10th confirmed measles case in Lea County, a region that sits near the West Texas outbreak, where a school-age child died last week. Health officials have not linked the outbreaks, but the growing case numbers have raised concerns.
By the numbers
Measles is highly contagious, with the virus lingering in the air for up to two hours. The CDC reports that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected.
10 confirmed cases in Lea County, New Mexico
159 confirmed cases in West Texas
At least 7 of the 10 infected in Lea County were unvaccinated
CDC has sent a response team to Texas to help contain the outbreak
RELATED: Measles cases rising in US, health officials say: Here's why
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. The CDC recommends two doses—one at 12 to 15 months and a second at 4 to 6 years old.
What they're saying
Health officials are urging New Mexicans to get vaccinated, especially as cases continue to rise. Dr. Chad Smelser, the state's deputy epidemiologist, stressed the importance of immunization, saying, "We don't want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles. The MMR vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease."
Meanwhile, the CDC has sent a team to Texas, where the outbreak first emerged in late January. The cause of the spread remains under investigation, though officials say low vaccination rates have contributed to the outbreak.
The Source
This story was reported from Los Angeles. It is based on New Mexico health department statements, CDC updates, and reporting from the Associated Press.
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