The country is dealing with one of the largest measles outbreaks since the respiratory virus was declared eliminated in 2000, leading to a child’s death this week in Texas — the first life lost to the disease in 10 years. In response, the New Mexico Department of Health launched a measles resource guide, including frequently asked questions, best practices and a case tracker.
So far New Mexico only has 9 reported cases, 5 adults and 4 children, all in Lea County bordering Texas, which has 146 of 164 total cases in the U.S..
DOH spokesperson David Morgan said none of the New Mexico cases required hospitalization.
“The most important thing that you can do to avoid getting sick from measles is to get vaccinated,” he said. “That is really, truly the best way to absolutely avoid getting sick. One dose of the measles vaccine provides 93% protection against infection.”
The MMR — or measles, mumps and rubella — vaccine is typically given in two doses, the first as an infant, and the second between 4 to 6 years of age, which provides 97% protection, but according to the CDC adults typically only need a single dose if they never got the vaccine as a child.
Measles is highly contagious and typically has similar symptoms to that of a cold or the flu with a high fever that starts 10 to 12 days after exposure, and a rash that appears 2 to 4 days after the fever.
Morgan said following basic hygiene practices that would help protect against the flu or any other respiratory virus can help reduce the chances of exposure, and suggested the state’s health helpline for people who want more information.
“The nurses at the helpline will be able to answer really any question that you have about measles or any other illness,” he said. “They are a great first source for free to be able to get the information that you need to know to be able to protect you and your family.”
The NM Health helpline can be reached at 1-833-796-8773
Support for this coverage comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
