Infant diagnosed with measles in Curry County

Staff report

The New Mexico Department of Health on Thursday confirmed the first measles case in Curry County, an infant too young to receive protective vaccination, prompting health officials to urge community vigilance. 

The Curry County case, plus three additional cases in Lea County, brings the total number of measles cases to 71 in New Mexico. 

“Seeing measles in a new county underscores the need to remain vigilant and get vaccinated,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “It also serves as a reminder the measles outbreak in New Mexico isn’t over. We urge New Mexicans to make sure their vaccination records are up to date.”  

The number of adults and children getting the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine continues to rise statewide – with 23,706 vaccinations between Feb. 1 and May 3, compared to 12,985 in the same time last year. 

New Mexico residents may have been exposed to measles at the following locations: 

• April 30, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at the WIC Agency, 1216 Cameo St. in Clovis. 
• April 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Walmart, 3728 N. Prince St, Clovis. 
• May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Firehouse Subs, 3734 N. Grimes St., Ste. A, Hobbs. 
• May 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bob’s Thriftway, 904 Ave D., Lovington.  

If you have symptoms and believe you were exposed to measles, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish by nurses. You should contact your doctor or the emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles, so they can plan for your visit. 

Measles cases are now diagnosed in five counties: Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy and Lea.For more information about measles in English and Spanish, visit measles.doh.nm.gov/.