The Brief

New Mexico health officials confirmed that an unvaccinated adult from Lea County died after a measles infection, though it has not been officially listed as the cause of death. The person did not seek medical care, and few details about their age or health history have been released.

The death is the 10th confirmed measles case in Lea County, a region that sits near the West Texas outbreak, where a school-age child died last week. Health officials have not linked the outbreaks, but the growing case numbers have raised concerns.

How bad is the measles outbreak?

Measles is highly contagious, with the virus lingering in the air for up to two hours. The CDC reports that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. The CDC recommends two doses—one at 12 to 15 months and a second at 4 to 6 years old.

How are health officials responding?

Health officials are urging New Mexicans to get vaccinated, especially as cases continue to rise. Dr. Chad Smelser, the state’s deputy epidemiologist, stressed the importance of immunization, saying, "We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles. The MMR vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease."

Meanwhile, the CDC has sent a team to Texas, where the outbreak first emerged in late January. The cause of the spread remains under investigation, though officials say low vaccination rates have contributed to the outbreak.