An adult in New Mexico who was infected with measles has tragically passed away, 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. Further details about the person’s age and specific circumstances have not been disclosed at this time.
This individual hailed from Lea County, located just across the state border from the West Texas region where a concerning outbreak of measles has been identified, with 159 confirmed cases and a recent fatality involving a school-age child. Despite the proximity, health officials in New Mexico have not established a direct link between the outbreak in Texas and the cases in their state.
The deceased individual marks the 10th confirmed case of measles in Lea County, with seven of those individuals being unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the remaining three cases remains unknown. Of the total cases, six are in adults, while the rest are in children under the age of 17.
In response to the outbreak, 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 situation that began in late January.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, posing a significant risk to those who are susceptible. According to the CDC, up to 9 out of 10 individuals exposed to the virus may contract it if not adequately protected.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely recognized as safe and highly effective in preventing infection and severe cases of measles. The recommended vaccination schedule includes the first shot for children between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles-related illnesses and fatalities, stating, “The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”
It is crucial for residents to prioritize vaccination and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of measles and safeguard the well-being of the community. The tragic loss of life underscores the severity of measles and the importance of vaccination efforts to protect public health.
[The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.]
