Adult Dies with Measles in New Mexico, Cause of Death Not Yet Confirmed

New Mexico Health Officials Announce Death of Unvaccinated Adult

An adult who was infected with measles has died in New Mexico, state health officials announced on Thursday, although the virus has not been confirmed as the cause of death. The person who died was unvaccinated and did not seek medical care, a state health department spokesperson stated. The person’s exact age and other details were not immediately released.

Additional Details on the Outbreak

The person who died is from Lea County, which is located just across the state line from the West Texas region where 159 measles cases have been identified, resulting in the death of a school-age child last week. New Mexico health officials have not linked the outbreak in Lea County to the Texas cases.

New Mexico’s Measles Outbreak

The person who died is the 10th in Lea County to have a confirmed measles infection. Seven of the cases were unvaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other three is unknown. Six of the cases are in adults, and the rest are in children under the age of 17.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Response

On Tuesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that they were sending a team to Texas to help local public health officials respond to the outbreak, which began in late January.

Measles: A Respiratory Virus

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. According to the CDC, up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will contract the virus if exposed.

MMR Vaccine: Safe and Highly Effective

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases. The first shot is recommended for children between the ages of 12 to 15 months, and the second for children between the ages of 4 to 6 years.

Quote from Dr. Chad Smelser

“We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist. “The MMR vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”

Conclusion

The death of an adult in New Mexico due to measles is a concerning development, and it highlights the importance of vaccination. Measles is a preventable disease, and the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours.
* How does measles spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
* What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
* How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing measles and a 78% effectiveness rate in preventing mumps and rubella.
* Is the MMR vaccine safe?
Yes, the MMR vaccine is safe and has been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness.