A measles outbreak in Texas has now crossed into neighboring New Mexico, with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirming eight cases of the highly contagious disease, FOX News reports.
The outbreak, which initially started in Gaines County, Texas, on February 5, has been rapidly spreading in the region. In New Mexico, three new cases were reported last week, bringing the total number of infected individuals to eight. The outbreak has reached the criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to three unrelated cases in Lea County, a region that borders Texas’ Gaines County.
The Texas Department of State Health and Services (DSHS) has been closely monitoring the situation as the number of cases has nearly doubled in the past two weeks. Officials had warned early on that additional cases were likely due to the highly contagious nature of measles. Although the outbreak has now reached New Mexico, health officials have yet to confirm a direct link between the two states’ cases.
Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist, stated:
“We are investigating every suspected case, and we encourage sick individuals with symptoms consistent with measles to seek medical care.”
While health officials are still working to determine the exact source of the outbreak, it has been noted that six of the eight cases in New Mexico were unvaccinated individuals. Among those infected, there are four adults and four minors. Two of the adults reported that they believed they had been vaccinated as children.
In response to the outbreak, NMDOH is testing residents, notifying those potentially exposed, and providing prevention guidance. The department has also issued a public warning, listing locations and times where people may have been exposed to the virus.
Lea County is taking steps to combat the outbreak by offering free, no-appointment-required vaccinations at public health clinics over the next two weeks. Health officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and get vaccinated, as measles continues to spread in the region.
