Measles-infected individual reportedly attended two locations in Santa Fe, prompting health alerts
In the heart of Santa Fe last weekend, an out-of-state child with measles visited two popular locations, sparking concern among health officials and prompting a call for vigilance.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can cause a range of symptoms including a cough, runny nose, red eyes, fever, and a rash. The disease can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially for young children and people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent the spread of measles, it's crucial to be up-to-date with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination, especially before traveling or visiting crowded places. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) advises that all adults who have only received one documented dose of the MMR vaccine should receive a second dose, given the ongoing measles outbreak in the state.
As of July 24, 2025, the NMDOH has identified 96 cases of measles, including a recent case from an unvaccinated child with international travel. To protect the community, New Mexicans are urged to confirm they are fully vaccinated before traveling.
Dr. Chad Smelser, a DOH medical epidemiologist, emphasizes the importance of being up-to-date with the MMR vaccination. Anyone who visited either location where the infected child was present is recommended to check their vaccination status and report any measles symptoms within the next 21 days to a health care provider.
The infected child does not add to New Mexico's case count, which remains at 96, including 20 children ages 5 to 17. The child visited Meow Wolf Santa Fe, 1352 Rufina Circle, on Saturday, July 26, from 10:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., and The Hampton Inn, 3430 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, from 10 p.m. Friday, July 25, to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
It's important to note that people with measles symptoms remain infectious for about eight days, from four days before the onset of the rash until four days after. The rash typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms.
If you have measles symptoms, it is recommended to call ahead to a medical provider before showing up at the office. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, and travelers from or within New Mexico should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine, spaced properly, to protect against the disease amid the ongoing outbreak.
For infants 6 months and older in outbreak areas, vaccination is advised before international travel, though doses given before 12 months of age do not count towards the routine two-dose series and will need to be repeated after 12 months.
The CDC’s recommendations, supported locally, include ensuring two MMR doses for at-risk groups such as international travelers, health care workers, and students, spaced at least 28 days apart.
In summary, the ongoing measles outbreak in New Mexico underscores the importance of being up-to-date with the MMR vaccination before traveling. If you have any concerns about your vaccination status or have been exposed to someone with measles, please consult with a healthcare provider immediately.
- The recent measles case in New Mexico, originating from an unvaccinated child with international travel, highlights the importance of getting the MMR vaccination before embarking on a travel journey.
- The CDC and New Mexico Department of Health advise that at-risk groups such as international travelers, health care workers, and students should have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart, for effective protection against measles.
- In addition to travel, it is also essential to maintain up-to-date vaccinations for maintaining overall mental health, fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle, as recommended by health officials.
- To promote a healthier lifestyle, adhering to recommended vaccinations like the MMR vaccination, practicing vigilance amid ongoing outbreaks, and staying informed about news related to health and travel are key steps that individuals can take to safeguard their mental health and well-being.
