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Summer is coming, and that means more visitors and community events in New Mexico – as well as more potential exposures when it comes to the measles outbreak.
New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) recommends a dose of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine for anyone unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status traveling into or out of the state for leisure travel, summer camps, art markets and other communal gatherings.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease, as we can see by its spread around the country,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH acting state epidemiologist. "More people traveling in the summer emphasizes the importance of keeping you and your loved ones safe with the best-known protection – the MMR vaccine.”
Smelser urges organizers of large events and summer camps to encourage participants to be up-to-date with MMR before attending.
As of today, there have been 67 measles cases reported in New Mexico. Measles cases are now reported in 30 of the 50 U.S. states, increasing risk for potential measles cases among unvaccinated people planning national or international travel. Mexico and Canada have measles outbreaks as well.
Many New Mexicans have been getting ready for summer travel by getting caught up on MMR vaccination. The number of adults and children getting the MMR vaccine continues to rise statewide – with 20,304 vaccinations between Feb. 1 and April 26, compared to 10,860 in the same time period last year.
Symptoms of measles can develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward to cover the rest of the body.
If you have these 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.
Measles cases have been diagnosed in four New Mexico counties: Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, and Lea.
Look for more information about measles in English and Spanish on our website http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
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