Local health officials urge residents to remain aware of symptoms and vaccination status
GRANTS, N.M. — New Mexico’s measles outbreak has officially ended, with no confirmed cases reported in Cibola County, according to state and local health officials.
The New Mexico Department of Health declared the outbreak over Sept. 26 after 42 days passed without a new case. The last cases were reported Aug. 14 in Santa Fe County.
The outbreak began Feb. 14 and resulted in 100 confirmed cases statewide. It was New Mexico’s first measles outbreak since 1996 and its largest in decades, according to NMDOH.
Vanessa Marez, nurse manager at the Cibola County Public Health Office, said no confirmed cases were reported in Cibola County.
The local public health office held walk-in measles vaccination clinics every Wednesday from March through the end of August. It also held three “Got Shots” clinics for children ages 6 months to 18 years on July 9, July 23 and Aug. 6.
The office continues to offer MMR vaccines for children and adults born after 1957, according to Marez.
Statewide, more than 56,000 people received a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine after Feb. 1.
“We are thankful to the thousands of New Mexicans who received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH acting state epidemiologist, said. “Fully vaccinated people and those who got caught up with their vaccines during this outbreak prevented it from spreading further.”
NMDOH said the outbreak began in Lea County and was likely connected to exposure from an outbreak in neighboring West Texas.
Marcie Chavez, writing on behalf of the Cibola County Health Council, said residents should continue paying attention to public health notices from nearby communities.
“Our communities are connected through school activities, work, shopping and family, so it’s helpful for Cibola County residents to be aware of public health notices in nearby communities,” Chavez said.
Measles symptoms can develop seven to 21 days after exposure and typically include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward.
“If symptoms develop, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going into a clinic so staff can arrange care while protecting other patients,” Chavez said.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, according to NMDOH.
“The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles,” Chavez said.
Residents who want a vaccination or are unsure of their vaccination history can contact the Cibola County Public Health Office at 505-285-4601. The office is located at 700 E. Roosevelt Ave., Suite 100, in Grants.
Chavez also identified Cibola Family Health Center, Grants Family Medical, Daniel Fenton FNP, Haak’u Health Center in Acoma and Laguna Community Health Center in Paraje as local resources for discussing symptoms and vaccination needs. Residents should call first to confirm services and availability.
Although New Mexico’s outbreak has ended, NMDOH said measles outbreaks continue elsewhere in the United States and around the world.
Residents with questions about measles, exposure or vaccinations can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE, or 1833-796-8773. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.