The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirmed the first measles case in Santa Fe County.   

The individual is an unvaccinated child under the age of 10 who contracted the virus during international travel. This new case increases the total number of measles cases in the state to 96.   

People may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following location, day, and time:   

Cliff’s Amusement Park, 4800 Osuna Road NW in Albuquerque. Thursday: July 17, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

If you were recently at this location, check your vaccination status and report any measles symptoms in the next 21 days to your healthcare provider. If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance.    

“Every new case, including those that are a result of travel elsewhere, is a reminder that measles is a highly contagious virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “Thankfully, New Mexicans are responding to the call to get a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the best defense against measles.”   

Between February 1 and July 21, 43,440 New Mexicans have received the MMR vaccination.   

Measles symptoms develop between seven and 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 down the body. People can pass measles to someone else anywhere between four days before and four days after the rash first appears.   

Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance. The NMDOH Helpline can also assist you in identifying locations where you and your family can receive vaccinations. 

For more information about measles, visit measles.doh.nm.gov.  

NMHealth  

Robert Nott, Communications Director 

robert.nott@doh.nm.gov
505-479-0147

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations.