Latest news with #GinaDeBlassie
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NMDOH: Measles cases rise to 76 in New Mexico; CDC helping monitor suspected cases
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The number of measles cases in New Mexico rose to 76, the New Mexico Department of Health announced in a press conference Thursday afternoon. Two of those new cases were reported in Sandoval County, bringing the total number of cases there to four, NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie and NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Miranda Durham said. Possible measles exposure reported at Shakira concert in New Jersey A majority of the cases in New Mexico this year have been confirmed in Lea County; however, in addition to the Sandoval County cases, there have also been infections in Curry, Eddy, Doña Ana, and Chaves counties. NMDOH also confirmed that an adult who died in Lea County in March died due to pneumonia caused by measles. NMDOH said in March that the individual was unvaccinated did not seek medical care; however, at the time, it was too early to tell if the virus caused death. Right now NMDOH is conducting contact tracing to gather data about the infections and how they may have spread. The department has also conducted wastewater testing for the virus, and the most recent results came back negative in Roswell, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Deming, Rincon, Chaparral, south central Carlsbad, and Portales. The state health department is also working with the CDC to build investigations, conduct analyses, publish reports, and determine suspected measles cases. During the press conference, DeBlassie and Durham both expressed the importance of getting the MMR vaccine and encouraged people who have yet to be vaccinated to do so. Measles symptoms start with a runny nose, cough, and eye redness, and progress to rash and fever. Anyone with measles can infect others from four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash is gone, according to the NMDOH. Free health event for Albuquerque's older adults If you have symptoms and believe you were exposed to measles, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish from nurses. You are also asked to contact your doctor or the emergency department first. To view the NMDOH measles webpage, which includes information on where to get the vaccine and details about confirmed cases, click here. Watch the full press conference below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New report shows New Mexico making progress with childhood obesity
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A report from the New Mexico Department of Health shows progress with childhood obesity in the state. The report shows obesity rates for third graders has decreased for the fourth straight year. Other key findings from the report show obesity rates for kindergarten students decreased from 18.2% to 17.3% over the past year. The obesity rate for third grade students decreased from 27.5% to 24.1% over the past year. The report also shows obesity rates in boys is 6.5% higher than girls. Story continues below Sports: Rio Rancho baseball player accused of urinating in opponent's water jug Don't Miss: New Mexico businesses slow to accept mobile ID program Crime: Second trial begins against former APD officer accused of false imprisonment NMDOH's Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program works with elementary schools, high schools and nursing programs to collect body mass index measurements of kindergarteners and third graders across the state. Data from about 2,950 students was included in the most recent report. 'We collect and analyze obesity data so we can invest our resources in areas that lack infrastructure for safe physical activity and opportunities to buy affordable healthy food,' NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a release. The view the full report, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Mexico reports childhood obesity improvements
The New Mexico Health Department released its most recent report on childhood obesity on April 2, 2025 The New Mexico health department on Wednesday said obesity rates for third graders decreased for the fourth consecutive year. The report from NMDOH's Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program uses data from 40 schools across 21 counties, and assessed close to 2,950 students, according to a news release, which also noted that participation in the data collection is voluntary. a decline in the past year in obesity rates for kindergarten students from 18.2% to 17.3% a decline in obesity rates for third graders in the same time period from 27.5% to 24.1% Boys' obesity rates were 6.5% higher than girls. Ongoing highest obesity prevalence among American Indian students at 27.6% of students 'We collect and analyze obesity data so we can invest our resources in areas that lack infrastructure for safe physical activity and opportunities to buy affordable healthy food,' Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a statement. 'Obesity in children highlights inequities in our community infrastructure and access to resources.' According to the report, department's childhood obesity surveillance program — established in 2010 — uses 'body mass index (BMI) percentile and a standardized measurement protocol to monitor childhood obesity over time, identify at-risk groups, guide state and local prevention efforts, and inform appropriate resource allocation.' Despite the improvements, the report notes that obesity remains a significant problem in New Mexico, particularly for children, with obesity increasing significantly between kindergarten and third grade. 'Childhood obesity is a complex issue that is influenced by weight bias, socioeconomic status, food insecurity and community infrastructure,' the report said, noting that in 2023, close to one-in-four (24.7%) school-aged children in New Mexico lived in poverty, compared to nearly one-in-six (15.7%) nationally in 2023. That makes 'New Mexican children more at risk for obesity than children in other states,' the report said, and children with obesity are more likely to develop: high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea and depression. The health department program says part of its strategy to combat childhood obesity includes programs in seven counties and one Tribal community to expand activities such as farm-to-school food programs, exercise activities and nutrition programs.
