6 days ago
New Mexico health officials: Measles case reported in San Juan County
A child under 4 has been diagnosed with measles in San Juan County, the first case of the virus in the county, the New Mexico Department of Health announced Tuesday.
The child, who had received one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, contracted the virus on a domestic flight.
The new case comes about a week and a half after officials said exposures were possible at sites in Santa Fe, although no local cases have been reported.
The best way to avoid measles is to get the MMR vaccine, health officials say. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
'Travel can increase the risk of exposure,' Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said in a statement Tuesday. 'Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or abroad, before you go make sure you're up to date on your vaccines.'
The diagnosis brings New Mexico's total measles cases to 81 amid a series of outbreaks of the disease nationwide. Though New Mexico's measles cases stem from a larger outbreak in West Texas, more than 1,000 cases had been reported across 32 states, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show.
San Juan County is the seventh New Mexico county to see a measles case since February and the first in the far northern reaches of the state. The majority of cases remain in Lea County, with six more in Sandoval County, three in Eddy County, two in Doña Ana County and one each in Chaves and Curry counties.
The Navajo Nation, which includes much of San Juan County, issued health advisories in February and March warning residents of the dangers of measles.
Though the child caught measles outside of San Juan County, the Department of Health warned people might have been exposed to measles recently at the following locations:
* San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 W. Maple St. in Farmington, from 10:30 p.m. May 26 to 4:15 a.m. May 27 and from 2 to 4 p.m. May 28.
* San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 S. Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington, from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. May 30.
* NorLea Hobbs Medical Clinic, 1923 N. Dal Paso St in Hobbs, from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. May 27.
Measles symptoms, which develop seven to 21 days after exposure, 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.
The state Department of Health advises people who develop symptoms to stay home to prevent further spread and contact their health care providers or the agency's Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (833-796-8773) for further guidance.
