Vaccinated adults among latest measles cases in Sandoval County

Health officials on Friday reported two additional measles cases in Sandoval County, bringing the total number of infections there to six, all since May 15.

Sandoval County residents infected this week include an infant too young to be vaccinated and three adults who each had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine.

The New Mexico Department of Health also alerted the public to multiple sites in Albuquerque and Santa Fe where those with the virus traveled to, posing an exposure risk to others.

The new infections bring to 78 the total number of measles cases statewide.

The six recent Sandoval County infections suggest that New Mexico’s measles outbreak is moving closer to Albuquerque.

Health officials recommend the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against the viral illness.

Measles is one of the most contagious known viruses. Viral particles can stay suspended in the air for up to two hours in an enclosed area.

The recent infections may have exposed people at five sites in Albuquerque and two in Santa Fe from May 2-17. The Albuquerque locations are:

• Longhorn Steakhouse, 6600 Menaul NE, on Saturday, May 2, from 1-5 p.m.

• Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood, 5220 Eubank NE, on Sunday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• University of New Mexico Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, 2211 Lomas NE, on Sunday, May 4, from 9-11 p.m.

• UNM Hospital General Pediatric Unit on Wednesday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

• Common areas of the UNM Hospital Pavilion between Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 15.

The agency also alerted the public to two sites in Santa Fe. They are:

• Walmart, 5701 Herrera Drive, on Saturday, May 17, from 7:30 to 10 a.m.

• Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center Emergency Department, 4801 Beckner Road, on Saturday, May 17, from 6-9 a.m.

If you were at any of these locations, check your vaccination status and report any measles symptoms in the next 21 days to your health care provider, the Department of Health advised.

Sandoval has joined Lea, Doña Ana and Curry counties as those most affected, which impacts vaccine recommendations for residents in those areas, health officials said at a news conference this week.

Health officials recommend the MMR vaccine for infants ages 6 to 11 months who live in areas of high measles activity, or plan to travel to other places in the U.S. or internationally, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miranda Durham said.

For adults who live in the most affected areas, two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended, Durham said.

Initial symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes that last for two to four days. Then a rash develops that typically starts on the head and spreads down across the body.

If you develop symptoms, stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance.