An adult in New Mexico has tragically passed away after being infected with measles, as announced by state health officials on Thursday. While the virus has not been confirmed as the direct cause of death, the individual who succumbed to the illness was unvaccinated and did not seek medical care. Specific details about the person’s age and other information have not been disclosed at this time.
The deceased individual resided in Lea County, which is located just across the state border from the West Texas region where a significant outbreak of measles has been documented. In Texas, 159 cases of measles have been identified, and a school-age child recently lost their life due to the virus. Despite the proximity of these outbreaks, New Mexico health officials have not established a direct link between the cases in their state and the Texas outbreak.
This unfortunate death marks the 10th confirmed case of measles in Lea County, with seven of the affected individuals being unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the remaining three cases is still unknown. Among the cases, six are adults, while the rest are children under the age of 17.
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have dispatched a team to Texas to assist local public health authorities in managing the outbreak that originated in late January. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy for susceptible individuals to contract the illness upon exposure.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely recognized as safe and highly effective in preventing infections and severe cases of measles. The CDC recommends administering the first dose of the vaccine to children between the ages of 12 to 15 months, followed by a second dose between the ages of 4 to 6 years. Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting against this serious disease, stating, “We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles.”
It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and the well-being of their communities by staying informed about vaccination recommendations and seeking medical attention when necessary. Measles outbreaks serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.
