A measles outbreak has been reported in Lea County, New Mexico, with two new cases confirmed on Thursday, bringing the total to three. The county shares a border with Gaines County, Texas, where 48 cases have emerged over the past two weeks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this an outbreak due to the number of cases, which exceed their criteria. Officials are investigating connections between New Mexico’s cases and the Texas outbreak but have not yet confirmed a link.
To combat the spread of measles, vaccination clinics have been set up in Lea County. Residents who may have been exposed are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the head or face.
Potential exposure locations include Stone Elementary School, Albertsons grocery stores, Crosswinds Community Church, Walgreens, and Nor-Lea Hospital. Residents can get vaccinated at public health offices without an appointment for the next two weeks.
According to Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist, approximately one in five unvaccinated people who contract measles is hospitalized. Staff will provide guidance on symptom severity at these clinics.
Source: https://sourcenm.com/briefs/nmdoh-declares-measles-outbreak-in-lea-county