RELEASE: State measles count rises to 13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2026
State measles count rises to 13
Increase in cases a reminder to check records and get vaccinated
SANTA FE – New Mexico’s measles case count has risen to 13, all linked to three county detention centers, the state Department of Health reports.
Eight cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Doña Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to reduce the risk of further spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on last week commended NMDOH for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the state’s 2025 measles outbreak, in which NMDOH reported 100 cases of measles between mid -February and mid-September. More than 60,000 people got MMR shots during that time period – an increase of 55% over the same time period the previous year.
“As families gear up to travel over spring break or summer, we encourage people to check their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date,” said Dr. Miranda Durham , chief medical officer for the NMDOH. “Measles remains very active in many parts of the country and abroad.”
New Mexico health officials encourage residents to review their vaccination records, including for measles, as spring travel season is upon us and can lead to additional risks, particularly if traveling out of state or country.
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.
Call your doctor or emergency department first if you have symptoms and believe you were possibly exposed to measles – don't just walk in – so health providers can plan for your visit and minimize exposure to other people.
Those who are unsure about their vaccination status can access vaccination records at https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/ or through 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).
More information on measles can be on NMHealth.org in English and Spanish .
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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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