New Mexico Department of Health

The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that the first "probable case" of monkeypox has cropped up in the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reportedly conducting a second round of testing to confirm. DOH says the individual was likely exposed during out-of-state travel and is isolating at home.

A public health task force mandated by state lawmakers has been meeting since last September and is now seeking public input on its recommendations to strengthen the state’s public health infrastructure in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The draft report names racism and climate change as top priorities in New Mexico. KUNM reporter Jered Ebenreck explains.

The Department of Health gives first COVID19 update in 3 months, announcing the departure of the State Epidemiologist and acknowledging a new surge of cases in NM. Acting Secretary of Health, Dr David Scrase emphasized the value of testing early and treating early.

Evacuation centers not managing dual threats of COVID-19 and wildfire smoke

A newly signed law will make it legal to possess tests to show if a drug contains fentanyl, the number one killer of adults 18-45. But last year, a bill to authorize safe drug consumption sites failed to pass the legislature. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll dive into harm reduction strategies, whether they work and why they make people so uncomfortable.

On this #YNMG we’re dedicating the entire episode to one piece of legislation that is now on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk waiting for her signature. House Bill 52 is an amendment to the Harm Reduction Act. Overdoses from Fentanyl are the top killer of young adults in New Mexico, but HB52 will give drug users a new tool that will make them a little safer – fentanyl test strips.

New Mexico Department of Health officials reformatted the delivery of their regular COVID-19 update on their Wednesday presser. This change raises some questions about government transparency at the height of New Mexico’s omicron surge. KUNM reporter Jered Ebenreck spoke with All Things Considered host Nash Jones about this new format.

State health officials on Wednesday reported 1,357 New confirmed COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths as numbers continue to rise around the state. KUNM’s Jered Ebenreck attended a press conference with New Mexico Department of Health officials to get an update on variants, vaccinations and safety guidelines ahead of the holidays.

State health officials announced Wednesday, Aug. 25, that as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, New Mexico has an unprecedented waiting list for ICU beds…