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A measles outbreak in Texas has spilled into New Mexico, where an unvaccinated teenager in Lea County was confirmed with the viral illness, state health officials reported Tuesday.
The measles infection is the first reported case in New Mexico since Texas officials confirmed at least 15 measles cases since late January, the New Mexico Department of Health said.
Lea County in southeast New Mexico borders Gaines County, Texas, where the measles outbreak is centered. The Lea County teenager had no recent travel or exposure to known cases from the Texas outbreak.
Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the highly infectious disease, said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the state Department of Health.
“It is important to get up-to-date on vaccinations now, especially if you or your children are not fully immunized for measles,” Durham said in a written statement. “Measles can spread easily, whether you’re in Lea County or elsewhere in the state, if you’re not current on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective against disease.
New Mexico health officials are tracing contacts with the Lea County teenager and are working with Nor-Lea Hospital and the local school district to ensure they are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations.
The agency will host a vaccination clinic at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso.
The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.) on Feb. 19-20 and Feb. 26-27. No appointment is necessary.
Vaccines are free for New Mexico children under the Vaccines for Children program.
