Unvaccinated New Mexico resident dies, assessments constructive for measles

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An unvaccinated grownup in New Mexico examined constructive for measles after dying, state well being officers introduced Thursday.

The affected person can be the second measles loss of life in 2025 — and the second in the USA in a decade — following an unvaccinated school-age baby who died in late February in close by West Texas amid a rising outbreak of almost 160 folks recognized as contaminated from the extremely contagious illness. The outbreak, which is suspected to have unfold to japanese New Mexico, is the nation’s largest in six years.

The New Mexico resident did not search medical care earlier than dying, however the individual examined constructive for measles, in keeping with a state Division of Well being information launch. The individual’s reason for loss of life is beneath investigation.

State well being officers launched no additional particulars concerning the deceased individual, although officers stated the brand new case was not among the many state’s 9 prior recognized circumstances. Well being division spokesperson David Morgan stated this might be the state’s first measles loss of life in no less than 40 years, citing the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, which has data relationship again to 1985.

“We don’t wish to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles,” Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist for New Mexico’s well being division, stated in a press release. “The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective safety in opposition to this severe illness.”

All of New Mexico’s 10 circumstances — six adults and 4 kids beneath the age of 17 — are in Lea County, which borders the Texas outbreak’s epicenter in Gaines County. In Texas, there have been no less than 22 hospitalizations. Earlier than the New Mexico resident who died, the state’s 9 earlier circumstances did not require hospitalization.

Circumstances have been overwhelmingly amongst individuals who weren’t vaccinated or had no identified vaccination standing. Officers and consultants have confused vaccination is the most effective safety in opposition to measles.

This story was up to date to make clear the reason for loss of life.