Measles now in 15 states. New cases reported in 2 New Mexico counties
New head of New Mexico Health Department mum on the measles outbreak.
Jessica Onsurez- New Mexico has identified 33 measles cases across two counties amidst a national outbreak.
- Measles cases have been reported in 15 states since March 12th, totaling 222 cases nationwide.
- Vaccination rates in New Mexico remain high, but health officials urge residents to get vaccinated if they haven't already.
Cases of measles continue to rise in New Mexico amid a national outbreak that so far has resulted in two deaths as a result of the virus.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported that there are now 33 cases of measles in two counties.
Measles has been reported in 15 states in the U.S. since March 12. Dr. Donald Karcher, a pathologist at George Washington University Medical Center, said there are now 222 cases of measles in the U.S.
See New Mexico's measles outbreak dashboard here.
Lea, Eddy counties report cases in unvaccinated children
An outbreak was declared in February in Lea County where now 32 cases are confirmed. One death was also linked to the virus in Lea County.
A case of measles was confirmed in Eddy County in March, indicating a spread of the disease in the state.
"This is an incredibly transmissible virus," said Benjamin Bradley, MD, PH.D. FCAP, medical director at ARUP Laboratories. Bradley said the disease may be spread by individuals who don't yet know they've been infected.
Of the cases in New Mexico, 27 persons were unvaccinated against the highly contagious disease.
Thirteen cases were reported in those 18 or younger while 18 cases were confirmed in adults.
“Any measles diagnosis is a concern, and we are watching every case closely,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We are heartened by the number of New Mexicans getting vaccinated in response to this outbreak.”
Kercher said the virus has a 90% transmission rate and that it is likely the number of cases being reported is an underestimation.
Where to get vaccinated in Las Cruces
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that vaccination rates among kindergarteners in New Mexico public schools was in the 93 to 95 percentile in the 2023-2024 school year.
The New Mexico Department of Health said the number of vaccinations overall in the state increased from the prior year - 9,000 New Mexicans have received the MMR vaccine.
New Mexicans in Las Cruces are advised to consult with their primary physician or pediatrician to schedule a vaccination.
Vaccinations can also be sought at:
- Mesilla Valley Pharmacy and Consulting, 100 Wyatt Drive Suite B
- St. Luke's Helath Care Clinic, 999 W. Amador Ave.
- LCDF Central Medical Clinic, 575 S. Alameda Blvd.
- SJM Premier Medical, 1001 N. Solano Dr.
- Foothills Medical Center, 3530 Foothills Rd.
- Rio Grande Medical Group, 4401 E. Lohman Ave.
- Full Bloom Pediatrics, 4181 Camino Coyote
- Walmart, 150 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
The information above was provided by the New Mexico Department of Health. To learn more about vaccination contact the NMDOH hotline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
What states have measles cases?
- Texas
- Alaska
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Maryland
- Vermont
- Oklahoma