2 days ago
Positive measles sample found in Roswell wastewater testing
ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) — The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that a positive measles sample was found through wastewater testing in Roswell. The sample was taken on June 3 as part of a wastewater testing initiative that has been conducted in 11 treatment facilities around New Mexico since March.
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The sample does not represent an official measles case, according to the NMDOH. However, the department says it serves as a reminder for Chaves County residents to check on their MMR vaccination.
There are currently 81 measles cases reported in New Mexico. The last laboratory-confirmed case in Chaves County was on April 5. 'While wastewater testing cannot tell us the timing, location or number of people infected with measles, this detection tells us there was at least one person infectious with measles in Roswell around June 3 and puts us on notice there may be more cases in Chaves County in the coming days,' said Dr. Daniel Sosin, NMDOH medical epidemiologist.
NMDOH carries out weekly wastewater measles testing in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County, Carlsbad, Chaparral, Deming, Las Cruces, Portales, Rincon, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Santa Fe and the South Central treatment plant in Doña Ana County.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. Anyone with symptoms is asked to stay home and contact their health provider, or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
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