NEWS
Measles cases rise to 13 among federal detainees
Lockups in Luna, Doña Ana and Hidalgo counties affected
Vials of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are displayed. Two doses are 97% effective against measles.
Published
The number of measles cases reported in New Mexico detention centers has more than doubled to 13 so far this month, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Thursday.
The 2026 cases all involved federal detainees held in three southern New Mexico detention facilities, health officials said. The number of cases has climbed from six since March 4.
The infections this year include eight cases in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Doña Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center.
The agency has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to help contain the highly infectious viral illness spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes.
Health officials asked the public to remain cautious about measles heading into the summer months.
“As families gear up to travel over spring break or summer, we encourage people to check their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the NMDOH. “Measles remains very active in many parts of the country and abroad.”
Two doses of MMR vaccine (mumps, measles and rubella) provide the best protection against measles.
In 2025, New Mexico reported 100 cases of measles in nine counties, including 67 cases in Lea County, during an outbreak that spanned February to September. The 2025 outbreak was the largest in decades and resulted in one New Mexico death.
More than 60,000 people got MMR shots during that time period — an increase of 55% over the same time period the previous year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week commended New Mexico for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the 2025 outbreak.
Common symptoms include a runny nose, fever, cough, red eyes and a distinctive rash. Measles symptoms can develop between one and three weeks after exposure.
Symptoms typically begin with 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.
Olivier Uyttebrouck covers the court system. You can reach him at olivier@abqjournal.com.
