New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 15 Linked to Detention Centers

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Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Health reported that the state's measles case count has risen to 15, with all cases linked to federal detainees in three county detention centers. The department has deployed vaccination crews to these facilities to mitigate further spread.

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What changed

The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed 15 measles cases, all associated with federal detainees across three county detention centers in Luna, Doña Ana, and Hidalgo counties. The department has initiated vaccination efforts at these facilities to control the outbreak. This notice serves as an update on the ongoing public health situation.

Health officials are urging residents to review their vaccination records and consider vaccination, especially with spring travel approaching. The department also advises individuals experiencing measles symptoms to contact their healthcare provider or emergency department by phone before visiting to prevent further exposure. Information on accessing vaccination records and measles prevention is available through the NMDOH website and helpline.

What to do next

Review personal vaccination records for measles
Contact healthcare provider by phone if experiencing measles symptoms and potential exposure
Follow NMDOH guidance on vaccination and symptom reporting

Source document (simplified)

State measles count rises to 15

March 25, 2026 - Measles - Information SANTA FE – New Mexico’s measles case count has risen to 15, all linked to three county detention centers, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.

Ten cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Doña Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All the cases involve federal detainees. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to reduce the risk of further spread.

“Measles is very contagious and there have been almost 1500 measles infections reported this year in the United States. The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, medical epidemiologist with NMDOH.

New Mexico health officials encourage residents to review their vaccination records, including for measles, as spring travel season continues and can lead to additional risks, particularly if traveling out of state or country.

Earlier this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention praised NMDOH for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the state’s 2025 measles outbreak. More than 60,000 people got MMR shots during that time period – an increase of 55% over the same time period the previous year.

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

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El número de casos de sarampión en el estado asciende a 15