The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health alert Friday following the diagnosis of measles in two travelers who visited the state. Potential measles exposure has been identified in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties.
According to the NMDOH, the individuals diagnosed include an adult with an unknown vaccination status and an 18-month-old child who had received age-appropriate vaccinations. The two travelers were not traveling together. These cases bring the total measles count in New Mexico to 81.
“These two cases remind us that travel remains an exposure risk when it comes to this contagious virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection against measles.”
The NMDOH has identified several locations and times where potential exposure may have occurred:
- Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, 745 Loma Colorado NE, Rio Rancho: Monday, June 2, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Walmart Supercenter, 5701 Herrera Drive, Santa Fe: Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Walmart Supercenter, 2550 Coors Boulevard NW, Albuquerque: Friday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- El Super, 4201 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque: Friday, June 6, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- University of New Mexico Hospital Adult Urgent Care, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque: Tuesday, June 10, 9:30 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.
- Albuquerque International Sunport, 2200 Sunport Blvd, Albuquerque: Tuesday, June 10, 3 – 7 p.m.
- Main terminal and TSA Security Checkpoint
- Terminal A, Gate A-6
The NMDOH advises anyone who was at these locations during the specified times to check their vaccination status and monitor for measles symptoms for the next 21 days. Measles symptoms may take seven to 21 days to appear and can begin with a cough, runny nose, and red eyes, progressing to fever and a rash.
Individuals experiencing symptoms should stay home, prevent further spread, and contact their healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance. The helpline can also connect New Mexico residents with vaccination options in their area.
Additional information about measles can be found on the NMDOH website at http://measles.doh.nm.gov.