Measles case diagnosed in Doña Ana County

The first measles case outside of southeast New Mexico is reported to be in Dona Ana County, according to the New Mexico Department of Health

An unvaccinated child in Doña Ana County has been diagnosed with the infection, according to a DOH news release.  Doña Ana County is the fourth county in the state to report a case of measles during this recent outbreak.

Doña Ana County residents may have been exposed to measles at the following Las Cruces locations: 

• April 2, from noon - 6 p.m. at Kid’s Kountry Place Preschool and Childcare, 3704 Elks Drive. 
• April 3, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center (MMC) Family Medicine Center, 2605 Terrace Drive. 
• April 6, 1 - 7:15 p.m. at the MMC Emergency Department, 2450 S. Telshor Blvd. 
• April 7, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. at MMC Family Medicine Center, 2605 Terrace Drive. 
• April 8, 7:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. at both the MMC Emergency Department and Pediatric Unit, 2450 S. Telshor Blvd. 

 In addition to the Dona Ana County child, DOH reports four additional cases among unvaccinated people in Lea County brings the total number of measles cases in New Mexico to 63.

Due to the ongoing risk of exposure to measles, the state recommends a dose of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine for infants aged 6-11 months who live in Doña Ana County, or who will be traveling to Doña Ana and Lea counties. 

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 emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit. 

 The two public health offices in Las Cruces offer walk-in MMR vaccinations with no appointment necessary at the following days, times and locations: 

• Mondays, 1-3 p.m. and Fridays, 9-11 a.m. at the Las Cruces Public Health Office, 1170 N. Solano Drive. Call (575) 528-5001 for more information. 
• Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. at the Las Cruces East Mesa Public Health Office, 5220 Holman Road. For more information call (575) 382-0540.