New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 13

news

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Health has reported that measles cases have increased to 13, with all cases linked to three county detention centers. Vaccination crews have been deployed to these facilities to prevent further spread. The state is also encouraging residents to check their vaccination records due to ongoing measles activity.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The New Mexico Department of Health has updated its measles case count to 13, with all identified cases originating from three county detention centers: Luna County Detention Center (8 cases), Doña Ana County Detention Center (3 cases), and Hidalgo County Detention Center (2 cases). In response, the NMDOH has deployed vaccination teams to these facilities to mitigate further transmission. The state health official also issued a reminder for residents to check their vaccination status as spring travel increases the risk of exposure.

This notice serves as an update on an ongoing public health situation. While no new regulatory requirements are imposed, compliance officers should be aware of the increased public health messaging and the potential for increased demand for vaccination services. Healthcare providers are advised to screen patients for symptoms and follow protocols to minimize exposure. Residents are encouraged to consult the provided resources for vaccination record access and guidance on symptom reporting.

What to do next

Review vaccination records for measles immunity
Consult healthcare providers if experiencing measles symptoms and potential exposure
Follow guidance for reporting symptoms to avoid further spread

Source document (simplified)

State measles count rises to 13

March 19, 2026 - Measles - Awareness 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.

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Robert Nott at (Office) with your questions.

Versión en Español

En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.

El número de casos de sarampión en el estado aumenta a 13