Adrian Hedden
El Rito Media
achedden@currentargus.

Two cases of measles were reported Feb. 3 in Gaines County, Texas, along the border with southeast New Mexico, leading state health officials to warn the region of possible exposure to those traveling across the state line.

Gaines County borders Lea County in New Mexico to the east in New Mexico’s southeast corner, which also includes Eddy and Chaves counties.

The New Mexico Department of Health said Texas health officials were investigating to determine if the two reported cases among residents of Gaines County could have led to exposure to New Mexicans.

The identities of the infected individuals and the severity of their illness were not released, nor was it clear if they had recently traveled to New Mexico.

While the cases were being investigated, New Mexico health officials encouraged residents statewide to check their immunization records to make sure they were current on vaccinations for diseases such as measles.

“Measles spreads easily and can linger in the air for hours after a person infected has left a room,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer with the New Mexico Department of Health. “The Texas cases highlight the importance of making sure you and your children are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.”

Symptoms of measles

Measles infections can cause a fever, runny nose or red eyes and a red-spotted rash starting on the head and face, spreading across the body. Symptoms usually last from seven to 21 days, and potential complications include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.

Why to get a vaccination

The vaccination for measles-mumps-rubella can prevent infections and serious symptoms, health officials say, and high-risk adults including college students, health-care professionals and international travelers need two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children receive two doses: one at four years old and one at age 12.

Most adults vaccinated as children have enough immunity to last a lifetime and people born before 1957 are mostly considered immune as they likely had the disease as a child before vaccines were available, according to the Department of Health.

How to get vaccinated in New Mexico

Adults can receive the MMR vaccine from their health care provider, pharmacy or public health office. Vaccines are free for children in New Mexico.

State vaccination records can be checked at https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/.

Suspected cases should be reported to the Department of Health at 1-833-SWNURSE