Tragic Death of Unvaccinated Adult in New Mexico Highlights Measles Outbreak
An adult in New Mexico has tragically died after being infected with measles, as announced by state health officials on Thursday. While the virus has not been confirmed as the cause of death, the individual who passed away was unvaccinated and did not seek medical care, according to a statement from a state health department spokesperson. Specific details about the person’s age and other information were not immediately disclosed.
The deceased individual was from Lea County, located near the West Texas region where a significant measles outbreak has occurred, with 159 cases identified and a school-age child dying last week. However, New Mexico health officials have not established a direct link between the outbreak in Texas and the cases in their state.
This unfortunate death marks the 10th confirmed measles infection in Lea County, with seven of those individuals being unvaccinated. The vaccination status of the remaining three cases is currently unknown, with six of the cases affecting adults and the rest impacting children under 17 years old.
In response to the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that they would be sending a team to Texas to assist local public health officials in managing the situation, which began in late January.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, posing a significant risk to those who are susceptible. The CDC reports that up to 9 out of 10 individuals who are exposed to the virus may become infected.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is regarded as safe and highly effective in preventing measles infections and severe cases. The recommended vaccination schedule includes the first shot for children aged 12 to 15 months and the second shot for those aged 4 to 6 years.
Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting against measles, stating, “The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”
It is crucial for individuals to prioritize vaccination and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of measles and safeguard the health and well-being of communities.