Four more federal inmates test positive for measles in New Mexico
The new cases at southern New Mexico detention centers raise state’s total to five in 2026
Four more federal inmates in New Mexico have tested positive for measles, the New Mexico Department of Health said Friday, bringing the number of cases in the state to five this year.
“These new infections serve as a reminder that measles can spread rapidly and that the best prevention against this virus is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH’s deputy state epidemiologist, in a statement.
The first case of the year was reported Tuesday in an inmate at the Hidalgo County Detention Center. The four new cases include two inmates at the Luna County Detention Center, one at the Doña Ana County Detention Center and a second at the Hidalgo facility.
Measles typically begins with a cough, runny nose and red eyes before progressing to a fever and rash. Symptoms develop between seven and 21 days after exposure, DOH said, and people can pass it on to others anywhere between four days before and four days after the first rash appears.
Department officials said they have not identified any public areas where exposure has occurred and are coordinating with the facilities of infected inmates to ensure "all quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed” to minimize the spread.
The latest cases follow an outbreak last year that first started in West Texas before spilling over into New Mexico, which recorded 100 cases in 2025.
Last year, measles cases were reported in Lea, Eddy, Chaves, Doña Ana, Curry, Sandoval, San Juan, Luna and Santa Fe counties.
“We encourage everyone eligible to receive (the) vaccine, including those who work in correctional facilities and other congregate settings, to get vaccinated,” Smelser said.
