Measles outbreak declared in Lea County, New Mexico

In a follow-up on a Note here at the website, New Mexico state health officials report two adult Lea County residents tested positive for measles Thursday, prompting the declaration of an outbreak.

This brings the total confirmed measles cases to three. These are New Mexico’s first measles cases since 2024, with two cases reported last year. Prior to last year the last cases in the state were in 2021.

The cases border Texas’s Gaines County, where cases have jumped from 2 to 48 cases in two weeks. While a connection to the Texas outbreak is suspected, it remains unconfirmed.

“We are investigating every suspected case, and we encourage sick individuals with symptoms consistent with measles to seek medical care,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Deputy State Epidemiologist.

NMDOH is notifying potentially exposed individuals and providing prevention guidance. If you visited these locations during specified times, you may have been exposed:

• Stone Elementary School, Hobbs, N.M. on Thursday, Feb 6.

• Albertsons grocery store, 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 6.

• Albertsons grocery store, 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 8.

• Crosswinds Community Church, 1701 N Jefferson St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 9.

• Walgreens, 801 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 9.

• Nor-Lea Hospital emergency department between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday Feb. 10.

• Nor-Lea Hospital extended hours clinic, 1923 N Dal Paso, Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb 10.

• Nor-Lea Hospital emergency department between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

If you were at these locations during the listed times, monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, isolate and call your healthcare provider and inform them of possible measles exposure before visiting.

Concerning vaccination and prevention:

• The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine works very well – making it far less likely for you to get measles than someone unvaccinated with no immunity. Those born before 1957 are already immune.

• High risk adults (college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers) need two doses of MMR.

• Vaccination provides strong protection; however, if you are vaccinated and develop symptoms after exposure, consult a healthcare provider. Most adults vaccinated as children are presumed to be immune.

• Children should receive two doses: one each at 12-months and four years old.