An adult in New Mexico has died after contracting measles, although health officials have not confirmed the virus as the direct cause of death. The individual, who was unvaccinated, reportedly did not seek medical attention. Specific details about the person’s age and other information have not yet been released.
The individual hailed from Lea County, which is situated near the West Texas area where there have been 159 reported cases of measles. Recently, a school-aged child from that region also died due to complications from the disease. However, New Mexico health officials have not established a connection between the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
This latest incident marks the tenth confirmed measles case in Lea County. Out of these, seven cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated, while the vaccination status of the remaining three remains unknown. The cases primarily involve adults, with several also including children younger than 17.
In response to the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced plans to send a team to Texas to assist local health authorities. The outbreak in question began in late January.
Measles is a contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours. According to the CDC, nearly 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract it.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is considered safe and effective in preventing both infection and severe outcomes from the disease. It is recommended that children receive their first dose between 12 to 15 months and a second dose between ages 4 to 6.
Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”
