Latest news with #PublicHealthOffice
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NMDOH sees increase in MMR vaccinations in 2025
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Health said it has seen an increase in the number of New Mexicans who have received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine between Feb. 1 and May 12, compared to the same time frame last year. 'The MMR vaccine remains the best tool against the measles virus, and the ever-growing number of New Mexicans getting it speaks to their desire to slow the ongoing outbreak,' Andrea Romero, manager of the immunization program in the New Mexico Department of Health, stated in a news release. Protect your skin: UV index reaches high levels in Albuquerque Between Feb. 1 and May 12, 27,123 New Mexicans have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, roughly twice the number of residents who got the shot during the same time last year. A total of 71 measles cases have been reported in the state this year, and the first confirmed case of 2025 was on Feb. 11. Cases have been diagnosed in five New Mexico counties: Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, and Lea. Symptoms of measles can develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward to cover the rest of the body. If you have these 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. It is also recommended that you contact your doctor or local emergency department first. The following public health offices offer daily walk-in MMR vaccinations with no appointments needed until further notice: Artesia (Eddy County) Public Health Office, 1001 Memorial Dr. 575-746-9819. Carlsbad (Eddy County) Public Health Office, 1306 W. Stevens St. 575-885-4191. Clovis (Curry County) Public Health Office, 1216 Cameo St. 575-763-5583. Hobbs (Lea County) Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso St. 575-397-2463. Lovington (Lea County) Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th St. 575-396-2853. Portales (Roosevelt County) Public Health Office, 1513 W. Fir St. 575-356-4453. Roswell (Chaves County) Public Health Office, 200 East Chisum St. 575-624-6050. Ruidoso (Lincoln County) Public Health Office, 117 Kansas City Rd. 575-258-3252. Tucumcari (Quay County) Public Health Office, 310 S. 2nd St. 575-461-2610. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
11-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
2 cases of measles confirmed on Prince Edward Island, in adults who travelled within Canada
Health officials in Prince Edward Island have confirmed two cases of measles, the province's first reported cases since 2013. In a news release, P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office said the two adults who tested positive had travelled together to an area in Canada where outbreaks continue. Neither of the people had been immunized against the virus, and both have since recovered, the CPHO said. Public health nursing is providing contacts of the two people with vaccinations as needed, and contact-tracing is underway. No public exposures have been identified at this time. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore eyes and a red rash that begins on the head and spreads down to the trunk and limbs. Serious complications can occur, such as blindness, viral meningitis or pneumonia — or even death, as was the case recently for two unvaccinated children in Texas. The measles virus spreads through the air when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. It may also spread through direct contact with droplets from the nose and throat of a person who is infected, according to the CPHO's news release. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is infected has left the space. Someone with measles is contagious for four days before the rash is noticeable, and for up to four days after the rash occurs. Anyone who is not vaccinated and is considered a close contact of someone with measles will need to isolate for 21 days. "We are working diligently to prevent further spread of measles within our community," said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province's chief public health officer. "Vaccination is the most effective method of protection against measles. We encourage all Islanders to review their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is available at no cost through the provincial immunization program." People born before 1970 or who have had two doses of measles vaccine are considered immune. WATCH | Canada reports record measles cases driven by Ontario outbreak: Canada reports record measles cases driven by Ontario outbreak 15 hours ago Duration 2:49 The CPHO's current recommendations for vaccination: Adults born before 1970 are considered to have acquired natural immunity and do not require the vaccine. Anyone travelling outside of Canada should receive one dose of measles vaccine. Adults born in or after 1970 who have neither had measles, nor have received two doses of vaccine, should receive two doses. Regardless of age, students entering post-secondary education, health-care workers and military personnel should receive two doses if they have no evidence of having had measles and no documentation of having received two doses of the vaccine. Anyone living in P.E.I. who is not up to date with the measles vaccines is eligible to receive it free of charge. Islanders should call the nearest public health nursing office and speak with a nurse to find out if vaccinations are up to date. Those experiencing symptoms of measles should call 811 or contact their primary care provider before visiting any health-care facility for treatment, to prevent spreading the virus to others.
CBC
08-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Health officials on the Island seeing increased demand for measles vaccine
Social Sharing While there are no cases of measles on Prince Edward Island, and haven't been any for 12 years, the province's Chief Public Health Office is encouraging people to get the vaccinated — especially if they plan to travel. Islanders seem to be doing their part to keep a lid on the disease, with public health nursing seeing an increase in the number of people asking for the vaccine. "Two doses of this vaccine, it's 98 per cent effective. It's really good," said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer. "The recommendation is really if you're [doing] air travel or driving to places that may have measles, including Quebec and Ontario… it's really important to get vaccinated." Immunizations for measles, mumps and rubella are free and available through public health nursing. People interested in getting the vaccine can check its availability on the province's website. Islanders urged to seeks shots as P.E.I. manages to stay measles-free, for now 4 hours ago Duration 2:03 Demand for the measles vaccine is up on Prince Edward Island. There are still no cases in the province, but with the virus on the rise in other parts of North America, the chief public health office says preparation is key. CBC's Sheehan Desjardins explains. There have been no measles cases on P.E.I. since 2013, but health officials are monitoring the situation elsewhere in the country. Toronto Public Health recently warned residents in the city that they could be in danger of measles exposure. Last Tuesday, 14 cases were reported in the Region of Waterloo, Ont., just a few weeks after the area confirmed its first case. "This is a disease that we really have seen very little of in North America," Morrison said. "There have been young people who have had serious outcomes south of the border, but also hospitalizations in Ontario, for instance, particularly with young children." As of Monday, two unvaccinated children had died of complications related to measles in Texas, where at least 500 people were confirmed to have been infected in recent weeks. What to watch for Measles symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body, and small blueish-white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat. The incubation period for the virus can be up to 21 days, said Morrison, but symptoms can also appear within 12 days of exposure. Most Canadian children are vaccinated against measles when they're one year old, then again at 18 months. Public health will vaccinate infants early, between six months to a year, if their parents plan to travel with them. Many adults born before 1970 are considered to have a natural immunity to the virus, but Morrison said they should still get one dose of the vaccine before travelling this year. With so many people travelling at this time of year, Morrison said it's important to be vigilant in case measles hitches a ride back to P.E.I. with someone. "There are certain populations here that are at risk because they're not vaccinated," she said. "Trying to make sure that we work with these communities and individuals and answer questions and get the information out as best we can is going to be something that's important for us."
