NEWS
Measles case in Eddy County brings New Mexico total to 18 this year
An unvaccinated adult in Artesia likely acquired the infection out of state
An adult in Eddy County has tested positive for measles, bringing the total number of cases in New Mexico to 18 this year, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Thursday.
The person was unvaccinated and most likely acquired the infection out of state, according to the NMDOH.
This marks New Mexico鈥檚 first case this year outside of a jail. The rest of the measles cases have been in jails in Do帽a Ana, Luna and Hidalgo counties.
Health officials are alerting Artesia residents to potential exposure locations over the past week linked to the recent case:
Thursday, Aug. 6, through Monday, Aug. 10, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers campus, 1793 N. 13th St.
7:30 to 10 a.m. Sunday at Walmart, 604 N. 26th St.
9:15 p.m. Monday through 3:50 a.m. Tuesday at Artesia General Hospital emergency room, 702 N. 13th St.
鈥淲ith measles still active around the country, the NMDOH encourages people to check their vaccination status and get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination if needed,鈥� said Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. People develop symptoms 21 days after exposure and are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.
Anyone with questions about measles and vaccinations can call the NMDOH at 1-833-796-8773.
Karmina Conde is a news reporter for the Journal. You can reach her at kconderuiz@abqjournal.com
