RELEASE: New measles case reported in New Mexico detention center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2026

New measles case reported in New Mexico detention center

SANTA FE – A federal inmate held in the Doña Ana County Detention Center has tested positive for measles – bringing the total number of 2026 measles cases in New Mexico to six.

People may have been exposed to measles from this most recent case at the following locations, days and times: the U.S. District Court building at 100 N. Church Street, Las Cruces between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on February 24.

If you were at this location, check your vaccination status and report any measles symptoms in the next 21 days (until March 17, 2026) to your health care provider. If you develop symptoms of measles stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance.

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.

“The New Mexico Department of Health continues to urge people to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination, vaccine is the best tool to protect you from measles,” said Dr. Chad Smelser , deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH.

All six cases are federal detainees with two cases each at the Doña Ana, Hidalgo and Luna County detention centers. Smelser said NMDOH is coordinating with all the facilities to assure all quarantine, isolation, testing and vaccination protocols are followed to minimize risk of measles spread. The health department has sent vaccination teams to all three facilities.

Anyone with questions about measles and vaccinations may call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance from nurses in English and Spanish. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).

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NMDOH

David Barre, Communications Coordinator | david.barre@doh.nm.gov | (505) 699-9237

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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