Measles outbreak declared in Lea County
February 14, 2025 – Immunization – Vaccination
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports two adult Lea County residents tested positive for measles Thursday– as confirmed by the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division – totaling to three cases this week.
New Mexico meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s outbreak criteria with three unrelated cases in Lea County. The cases border Texas’s Gaines County, where cases have jumped from 2 to 48 cases in two weeks. While a connection to the Texas outbreak is suspected, it remains unconfirmed.
“We are investigating every suspected case, and we encourage sick individuals with symptoms consistent with measles to seek medical care,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist.
NMDOH is notifying potentially exposed individuals and providing prevention guidance. If you visited these locations during specified times, you may have been exposed:
- Stone Elementary School, Hobbs, N.M. on Thursday, Feb 6.
- Albertsons grocery store, 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 6.
- Albertsons grocery store, 2402 N. Grimes St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 8.
- Crosswinds Community Church, 1701 N Jefferson St., Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 9.
- Walgreens, 801 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 9.
- Nor-Lea Hospital emergency department between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday Feb. 10.
- Nor-Lea Hospital extended hours clinic, 1923 N Dal Paso, Hobbs, N.M. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb 10.
- Nor-Lea Hospital emergency department between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
If you were at these locations during the listed times, monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, isolate and call your healthcare provider and inform them of possible measles exposure before visiting.
Vaccination matters:
- The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine works very well – making it far less likely for you to get measles than someone unvaccinated with no immunity. Those born before 1957 are already immune.
- High risk adults (college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers) need two doses of MMR.
- Vaccination provides strong protection; however, if you are vaccinated and develop symptoms after exposure, consult a healthcare provider. Most adults vaccinated as children are presumed to be immune.
- Children should receive two doses: one each at 12-months and four years old.
Symptoms and risks:
- Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
- Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward across the body.
- Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
- About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized.
Free measles vaccination clinics in Lea County:
No appointment needed at five public health vaccination clinics over the next two weeks. If you have symptoms, call before visiting: Hobbs Office (575) 397-2463 | Lovington Office (575) 396-2893. Staff will provide guidance based on symptom severity.
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso.
- 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso.
- 9 a.m. – 3:30 (closed noon to 1 p.m.) Thursday Feb. 20 at the Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street.
- 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27 at the Hobbs Public Health Office.
How to get vaccinated:
- Check with your medical provider or pharmacy if insured.
- Visit public health offices for adults (while supplies last)
- Children’s vaccines are free under the Vaccines for Children program.
Check your records:
- Access vaccinations records at the state Vax View website.
- Or call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
- The helpline can also help find vaccination locations.
- Assist medical providers reporting suspected cases.
Note: These are New Mexico’s first measles cases since 2024, with two cases reported last year. Prior to last year the last cases in the state were in 2021.
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