New Mexico Measles Cases Rises, Robert F Kennedy Jr Encourages Measles Vaccinations

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the case count for measles has risen to 33, including a new case in Eddy County, the first outside of Lea County.

Most of the cases involve unvaccinated residents. State health officials say this is not a rapidly expanding outbreak, but a situation where cases have been occurring steadily over time. To date, one of the cases has required hospitalization.

“Any measles diagnosis is a concern, and we are watching every case closely,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We are heartened by the number of New Mexicans getting vaccinated in response to this outbreak.”

US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a statement advocating for the measles vaccine...

"Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons"

Since Feb. 1, nearly 9,000 New Mexicans have received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine – as compared to 5,342 MMR vaccinations in the same time period last year.

NMDOH will hold a free vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at our Carlsbad Public Health Office at 1306 W. Stevens St. in Eddy County, which borders Lea County to the west.

Measles is extremely contagious: a person with measles can infect others from four days before rash onset through four days after the rash appears.

In enclosed spaces, the virus can stay in the air for two hours after an infected person has left. Symptoms start with a cough, runny nose, and eye redness, and then progress to fever and rash. The rash starts on the head and spreads down the body.

If you’re experiencing fever and rash, contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit. You can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). The Helpline is staffed by nurses who can provide guidance in English and Spanish related to measles and vaccination questions.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from a measles infection. One dose of vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. The measles vaccine provides lifetime protection.

For more information visit our website http://measles.doh.nm.gov/. 

Antivax advocate and Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has issued a release recommending measles vaccinations and his concern for the outbreak hitting Texas and New Mexico...

As the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I am deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak.. This situation has escalated rapidly, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting 146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, primarily in the South Plains region. Tragically, this outbreak has claimed the life of a school-aged child, the first measles-related fatality in the United States in over a decade.

Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness with certain health risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals. The virus spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic body rash. Most cases are mild, but rare complications can be severe, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in the 1960s, virtually every child in the United States contracted measles. For example, in the United States, from 1953 to 1962, on average there were 530,217 confirmed cases and 440 deaths, a case fatality rate of 1 in 1,205 cases.

The current Texas outbreak has predominantly affected children, with 116 of the 146 cases occurring in individuals under 18 years of age. The DSHS reports that 79 of the confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while 62 cases had unknown vaccine status. At least five had received an MMR vaccine.

In response to this outbreak, I have directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to work closely with the Texas health authorities to provide comprehensive support. HHS’ efforts include offering technical assistance, laboratory support, vaccines, and therapeutic medications as needed. The CDC is in continuous communication with Texas health officials, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to contain the outbreak. I have spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas health officials, committing to providing them any additional support they need to bring this outbreak to an end. I have also spoken to the bereaved parents of the deceased child to offer consolation.

As healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers, we have a shared responsibility to protect public health. This includes ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated. We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them.

It is also our responsibility to provide up-to-date guidance on available therapeutic medications. While there is no approved antiviral for those who may be infected, CDC has recently updated their recommendation supporting administration of vitamin A under the supervision of a physician for those with mild, moderate, and severe infection. Studies have found that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality.

Parents play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children’s health. All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Tens of thousands died with, or of, measles annually in 19th Century America. By 1960 -- before the vaccine’s introduction -- improvements in sanitation and nutrition had eliminated 98% of measles deaths. Good nutrition remains a best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D, and foods rich in vitamins B12, C, and E should be part of a balanced diet.

Healthcare professionals on the front lines of this outbreak are working tirelessly to treat affected individuals and prevent further transmission. Their dedication and resilience are commendable, and they deserve unwavering support. It is essential that we provide them with the resources and backing they need to continue their vital work.

The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health. By working together -- parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and government officials, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation. Under my leadership, HHS is and will always be committed to radical transparency to regain the public’s trust in its health agencies.

For more information about measles, please visit the CDC’s official website or contact your local health department.

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