Staff report
New 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 are getting vaccinated in record numbers. From the start of February through May 12, 27,123 New Mexicans received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, roughly double the number of vaccinations administered during the same period last year.
“The MMR vaccine remains the best tool against the measles virus, and the ever-growing number of New Mexicans getting it speaks to their desire to slow the ongoing outbreak,” said Andrea Romero, manager of the immunization program in the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
Measles symptoms, which can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red spotted rash that typically starts on the head or face and spreads downward.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms or suspecting measles exposure is advised to call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish. Residents should also contact their doctor or the emergency department to inform them of their concerns before visiting.
The NMDOH is offering daily walk-in MMR vaccinations at the following public health offices with no appointments needed until further notice:
- Artesia (Eddy County) Public Health Office, 1001 Memorial Dr. (575) 746-9819.
- Carlsbad (Eddy County) Public Health Office, 1306 W. Stevens St. (575) 885-4191.
- Clovis (Curry County) Public Health Office, 1216 Cameo St. (575) 763-5583.
- Hobbs (Lea County) Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso St. (575) 397-2463.
- Lovington (Lea County) Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th St. (575) 396-2853.
- Portales (Roosevelt County) Public Health Office, 1513 W. Fir St. (575) 356-4453.
- Roswell (Chaves County) Public Health Office, 200 East Chisum Street. (575)-624-6050.
- Ruidoso (Lincoln County) Public Health Office, 117 Kansas City Rd. (575) 258-3252.
- Tucumcari (Quay County) Public Health Office, 310 S. 2nd St. (575) 461-2610.
More information about measles in English and Spanish can be found on the NMDOH website: http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.