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No known exposure to ongoing Texas outbreak
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is alerting Lea County residents of the days, times and locations where they may have been exposed to a person with measles.
The NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed a measles infection of an unvaccinated Lea County teenager. NMDOH is working with the patient’s family, Nor-Lea Hospital and the local school district to assure all contacts are up to date with their measles vaccinations. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective against disease.
Anyone who visited the following locations during these given days and times may have been exposed to measles:
- 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, Nor-Lea Hospital Emergency Department at 1600 Main Street, Lovington, N.M.
- 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Sixth Grade Academy gymnasium at 310 N 5th Street, Lovington, N.M.
Lea County borders Gaines County in Texas, which is investigating an ongoing measles outbreak with at least 15 confirmed cases. However, the New Mexico youth had no recent travel or exposure to known cases from the Texas outbreak.
“It is important to get up to date on vaccinations now, especially if you or your children are not fully immunized for measles,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “Measles can spread easily, whether you’re in Lea County or elsewhere in the state, if you’re not current on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
NMDOH is hosting a vaccination clinic in Lea County next week with no appointment necessary at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso at the following days and times:
- Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
- Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
To check your vaccination status:
- Visit the state Vax View website.
- Call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
To get the MMR or other vaccines:
- Contact your medical provider, pharmacy or local public health office.
- Visit nmhealth.org for providers or scheduling assistance.
- Call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). Vaccines are free for New Mexico children under the Vaccines for Children program.
Measles is extremely contagious.
- Symptoms appear 7-21 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads across the body.
- Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
New Mexico had two measles cases in 2024 – they were the first measles cases since 2021.
Medical providers should report suspect cases of measles immediately to the Department of Health at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773), which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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