New Mexico Department of Health

New Mexico is officially clear of the measles outbreak that began February 14. That’s the word from the state’s Department of Health.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths of older New Mexicans, according to a Department of Health report released Tuesday. The new report looked at data from 2019 to 2023, and found although mortality from falls decreased by 41% during that time, from 347 deaths to 213, hospitalizations increased.

Opioid overdoses have spiked dramatically in parts of Northern New Mexico according to the Department of Health. Testing revealed significantly increased fentanyl levels are the likely culprits. Overdoses increased by 48% in Rio Arriba County, 104% in Santa Fe County and 340% in Taos County from July through September of this year compared to the same period last year.

The New Mexico Department of Health announced last week a public health order aimed at expanding access to the COVID vaccine. On Friday NMDOH and the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy released updated protocols and recommendations in order to ensure as many people as possible have easy access to the vaccines.

State officials presented Wednesday to lawmakers details on a pilot program that will dispense medications for treating substance use disorder at public health offices. The New Mexico Department of Health has already been providing prescriptions to be filled elsewhere, but this is the first time they will be offering the medications themselves.

The New Mexico Department of Health announced Thursday a dog in Grant County tested positive for rabies. It’s the eighth animal in the state with a confirmed case this year. Although rabies is uncommon, it’s still one of the deadliest known viruses.

The New Mexico Department of Health issued a health advisory Monday to those who have captured or consumed wildlife from Holloman Lake in southern New Mexico. The warning follows a report on record levels of PFAS chemicals found in wildlife and plants in the area.

It’s commonly thought that suicide rates increase over the winter holidays, but that’s not the case. Still, the lead suicide prevention coordinator with the New Mexico Department of Health says it’s never the wrong time of year to talk about suicide and practice prevention.

The state Department of Health says only about 10% of New Mexicans got the updated vaccine last year, this year they are trying to smooth the process and clarify the messaging.

Though summer doesn’t officially begin until next week, temperatures are already hitting the triple digits across parts of New Mexico. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday in the middle and lower Rio Grande Valley. A shelter in Socorro is seeking volunteers to help keep its cooling center open on these sweltering days.