RELEASE: Measles detected in Hidalgo County Detention Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2026

Measles detected in Hidalgo County Detention Center

SANTA FE – A federal inmate held in a southern New Mexico detention facility has tested positive for measles – the state’s first confirmed case of 2026, following a statewide outbreak last year that infected 100 people.

The New Mexico Department of Health has not identified any public locations where exposure may have occurred and is coordinating with Hidalgo County to assure all quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed to minimize risk of measles spread.

“This new case reminds us that risk for measles did not end following the 2025 statewide outbreak,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “We continue to encourage everyone in New Mexico to be fully vaccinated against measles.”

The patient, whose vaccination status is unknown, tested positive for measles at the New Mexico Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory. New Mexico had 100 confirmed measles cases in 2025.

Measles symptoms develop between seven and 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. People can pass measles to someone else from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.

If you have symptoms and believe you were possibly exposed to measles, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance in English and Spanish by nurses related to measles. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH) or use the chat feature on the NMDOH website. You may also contact your doctor or emergency department first to tell them you are worried about measles so they can plan for your visit.

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NMDOH

Robert Nott , Communications Director | robert.nott@doh.nm.gov | (505) 479-0147

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, NMDOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

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