Wastewater in Deming has tested positive for measles, according to an analysis conducted by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) this month. The sample, collected on June 10, is part of an ongoing wastewater testing initiative by NMDOH. Since mid-March, the department has been testing wastewater in 11 treatment facilities across the state. While […]
Healthcare
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Hospice caught with its mask off
A local hospice is facing penalties after forcing its employees to wear respirators without providing a medical evaluation first. According to state records, inspectors discovered in April that Luna Del Valle Hospice in Albuquerque failed to conduct medical evaluations by a licensed practitioner that are required to ensure that employees could safely wear N95 respirators. […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Healthcare, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County
Measles exposure reported in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Sandoval counties
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 […]
Posted inHealthcare, New Mexico Statewide News
Measles detected in Roswell wastewater, health officials urge vaccination checks
The New Mexico Department of Health has reported finding a positive measles sample through wastewater testing in Roswell. The sample, collected on June 3, is part of an ongoing wastewater testing initiative being conducted at 11 treatment facilities across the state since mid-March. “While wastewater testing cannot tell us the timing, location or number of […]
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Gila Regional Medical Center violates waste laws
A southwest New Mexico hospital is in hot water with the state after inspectors found that it hasn’t been keeping up with its hazardous waste. Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City received a notice in May from the Environment Department (NMED) that alleged it was in violation of state hazardous waste laws. State inspectors […]
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$40 Million awarded in lawsuit against Presbyterian for infant brain damage
A couple was awarded more than $40 million in damages from a jury following a lawsuit claiming Presbyterian Healthcare Services staff did not properly identify a condition that subsequently caused brain damage to their young child. A legal complaint filed by a couple alleged that Presbyterian hospital staff neglected to identify their newborn’s low blood […]
Posted inHealthcare, New Mexico Statewide News
First measles case reported in San Juan County
San Juan County has its first case of measles, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The case was announced Tuesday afternoon as a child under the age of four with one dose of vaccine who contracted the virus on a domestic flight. “Travel can increase the risk of exposure,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Healthcare
Albuquerque to celebrate Senior Health and Fitness Day with free event
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is May 28 and the Department of Senior Affairs is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to celebrate with an interactive health event for adults 50 and older. The event is set for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center. […]
Posted inHealthcare, Sandoval County
Four more measles cases reported in Sandoval County
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported four additional measles cases in Sandoval County, bringing the county total to six and the statewide count to 78. This outbreak is described by Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer, as “the largest New Mexico has seen in many years.” The new cases include an […]
Posted inHealthcare, New Mexico Statewide News
New Mexico health officials urge early measles vaccines for children in outbreak counties
This story was originally published by Source NM. By Danielle Prokop, Source NM Top state health officials on Thursday recommended parents seek an early dose of the measles vaccine for very young children residing in New Mexico counties where measles is actively spreading or traveling to places with high case counts, such as Texas. Standard […]