By Kevin Hendricks
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed the first measles cases in Sandoval County, involving an adult with unknown vaccination status and an unvaccinated child under the age of four.
Potential public exposures have been identified at several locations in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque and Cedar Crest. According the NMDOH, the following locations, dates and times are of concern:
- Presbyterian Rust Hospital Emergency Department, 2400 Unser Boulevard SE, Rio Rancho: Wednesday, April 30 from noon – 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 11 from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Presbyterian Rust Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic, 2400 Unser Boulevard SE, Rio Rancho: Thursday, May 1 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Trader Joe’s grocery store, 8928 Holly Ave. NE, Albuquerque: Tuesday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ, 12220 NM-14, Cedar Crest: Saturday, May 10 from noon – 3 p.m.
“If you have been exposed to measles and are vaccinated, your risk of getting sick is low,” stated Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “Watch for symptoms but know that the vaccine is very good at preventing measles.”
Measles symptoms include cough, runny nose, eye redness, followed by fever and a rash that spreads from the head down. The contagious period spans from four days before the rash appears to four days after it disappears.
Individuals with symptoms who suspect measles exposure should contact the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish or their doctor or emergency department. The helpline can also assist with vaccination record checks and vaccine scheduling for adults and children.
These cases bring the statewide measles total to 73, part of a larger national outbreak exceeding 1,000 cases. Besides Sandoval County, measles cases have been reported in Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, and Lea counties.The Sandoval County Public Health Office in Bernalillo offers measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccinations without appointments on Mondays-Thursdays.
More information on measles is available at http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
Staff reportNew Mexico is experiencing a significant increase in measles cases in 2025, with 71 cases reported across five counties: Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, and Lea. In response, residents…