An unvaccinated adult from Lea County, New Mexico, tested positive for measles posthumously, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) said on Thursday (March 6). The unidentified adult had not traveled recently or been exposed to known cases from a nearby outbreak in Gaines County, Texas.
They did not seek medical attention before their death.
Officials said that the cause of the person's death remains under investigation.
The NMDOH has scheduled vaccination clinics in Lea County, offering free vaccinations with no appointment necessary. The department urges residents to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary.
“We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist. “The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”
Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective against the disease.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash. Serious complications can occur, including pneumonia and brain swelling. The NMDOH is working with the family, Nor-Lea Hospital, and the local school district to ensure all contacts are up to date with their measles vaccinations.
For more information, residents can contact the NMDOH at 1-833-796-8773 or visit their local public health office.