Measles

Measles in Dona Ana County

As of April 15th, 2025 the New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in Dona Ana County.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease spread by respiratory droplets. It lingers in the air for up to 2 hours after the infected person leaves the room and will survive on surfaces.

The first dose of the measles vaccine is administered at 12 months with other vaccines. The 1st dose is 93% effective in preventing  measles.  A 2nd dose is given at 4 years and increases the efficacy to 97%. For children who have already received 2 doses, there is no need for an additional dose.

The New Mexico Department of Health is now recommending for all infants ages 6-12 months who have not yet received a vaccine, get one to prevent measles.  If your child is older than 12 months old and does not have an MMR vaccine, then they need one immediately.  If your child is over 4 years old and only has 1 MMR vaccine, they need a booster immediately. 

You may check your child’s vaccine record at: https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/

Our clinic has ordered more vaccines to account for this sudden increase in need. We will send out an email with more information when they are available in the clinic. They will be subject to availability.

In the meantime, the two public health offices in Las Cruces are offering walk in MMR vaccines with no appointment (subject to change).

Las Cruces Public Health Office, 1170 N. Solano Drive

(575) 528-5001

Mondays, 1-3 p.m. and Fridays, 9-11 a.m

Las Cruces East Mesa Public Health Office, 5220 Holman Road

(575) 382-0540

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m

To minimize the risk to our patients in office, we will be seeing all patients with fever >100.4 or rashes as telehealth visits.  If you believe your child has been exposed or is showing symptoms of measles, please contact the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance.  We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.