Deceased New Mexico Resident Tests Positive For Measles, Health Department Reports!
A recent case in Lea County, New Mexico, has raised concerns as a deceased resident tested positive for measles. Although the cause of death is still under investigation, the patient, who was unvaccinated, did not seek medical care before passing away. This brings the total number of measles cases in the county to 10, all of which involve unvaccinated residents.
The Measles Outbreak Continues
The outbreak in Lea County is part of a larger trend affecting both New Mexico and Texas. Nearby Gaines County in Texas has reported over 100 cases, including a fatality in an unvaccinated child. This has led to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the United States in the past decade. In New Mexico, the 10 cases include both adults and children, with seven individuals being unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the remaining three cases is still being determined.
Vaccination Clinics to Combat Measles
In response to the outbreak, New Mexico’s health department is taking action by offering two community vaccination clinics on March 11. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is being strongly recommended, as it is the most effective protection against measles. “Vaccination is crucial to controlling the spread of this serious disease,” said Deputy Epidemiologist Chad Smelser.
Health experts urge everyone to get vaccinated to help prevent further spread of this highly contagious illness.
