Lea County resident tests positive for measles after death

​SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirms that a deceased resident of Lea County, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for measles.

The official cause of death is still under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. However, NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the measles virus. The individual did not seek medical care before passing.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications. One in five cases requires hospitalization, and approximately three in every 1,000 cases result in death.

The only prevention for the highly contagious respiratory illness is vaccination. With ongoing exposures in Lea County, NMDOH urges residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.

“We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist. “The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”

To support community protection, NMDOH has scheduled free measles vaccination clinics in Lea County on Tuesday, March 11:

• 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso. 
• 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street.

If you have symptoms, call before visiting. Staff will provide guidance based on symptom severity:

• Hobbs Office (575) 397-2463. 
• Lovington Office (575) 396-2853.

Anyone with measles-related questions – such as about symptoms or vaccinations – is asked to call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773. The Helpline is staffed by nurses able to provide guidance in English and in Spanish.

More information is available on the NMDOH website at http://measles.doh.nm.gov.