The source of infection is still unknown. Two children in Taos, New Mexico, have contracted measles for the first time since 2021. The state health department reported that the two are under the age of 10, live together, and are unvaccinated. They developed symptoms after traveling abroad. The children were in the Aspen Medical Center Urgent Care in Española on Sunday, May 26, from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, May 28, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you think you may have been exposed or need help,
First measles case confirmed in New Mexico since 2021
Two children in Taos County have measles, the first confirmed cases of the disease in New Mexico in three years.
The state health department announced that two children in Taos County have been confirmed to have measles. According to NMHealth, both children are under 10 years old and live in the same household. Both experienced a fever and rash after returning from international travel. The only confirmed public transmission occurred at the Aspen Medical Center emergency room in Española. These transmission dates were Sunday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 28. Below are more details about the public transmission: Stay up to date with the latest health news: Health Beat on Action 7 NewsPublic measles outbreak in EspañolaLocation: Aspen Medical Center Urgent Care, 411 Santa Clara Bridge RdFirst public outbreak: Sunday, May 26, from 11:45am to 3pmSecond and final outbreak: Tuesday, May 28, from 9:45am to 2:30pmNMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen said the department has been able to contact people who may have been exposed.“The Department of Health has identified and contacted people who may have been exposed and let them know what to do and what symptoms to look for,” Secretary Allen said. “Anyone who was in this emergency room on the date and time listed above and has not yet been contacted by the department should call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).” Vaccination records have been checked for people known to have been potentially exposed to measles. Measles symptoms can appear one week to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and bloodshot eyes, which may later develop into a rash, according to NMHealth. One in five unvaccinated people nationwide who contract measles are treated in a hospital. The department also said that New Mexico families, regardless of insurance status, can get the measles vaccine for their children for free. Get the latest health news with the KOAT app. Download it here.
The state health department said two Taos County children have been confirmed to have measles.
According to NMHealth, both children are under the age of 10 and live in the same household. Both experienced fevers and rashes after returning from international travel.
The only confirmed cases of public transmission were at the Aspen Medical Center Emergency Room in Española. The confirmed cases occurred on Sunday, May 26th and Tuesday, May 28th. Below are details about the public transmission:
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Public measles infection in Española
- Location: Aspen Medical Center Emergency Room, 411 Santa Clara Bridge Road
- Premiere date: Sunday, May 26th, 11:45am-3pm
- Second and final infection: Tuesday, May 28, between 9:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen said the department has been able to contact people who may have been exposed.
“The Ministry of Health is identifying people who may be infected and contacting them to let them know what to do and what symptoms to look out for.” “Anyone who was at this urgent care facility during the dates and times listed above and has not yet been contacted by authorities is asked to call the NMHealth helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773),” Allen said.
Vaccination records have been checked for people known to have possibly been exposed to measles.Measles symptoms can appear anywhere between one week and 21 days after exposure.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and bloodshot eyes, which may be followed by a rash, according to NMHealth. When unvaccinated people in the U.S. get measles, one in five of them end up in a hospital for treatment.
The department also said measles vaccines for children will be available free of charge to New Mexico families, regardless of whether they have insurance.
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