Measles Outbreak Hits New Mexico County Jail

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    A measles outbreak has been identified among inmates at a county detention center in New Mexico, as reported by the state health department on Thursday. In the Luna County Detention Center situated in Deming, a city in southwestern New Mexico, five prisoners have tested positive for measles. This facility currently houses approximately 400 inmates and employs 100 staff members.

    Health authorities are actively working to verify the vaccination statuses of those detained and are equipping the center with diagnostic test kits and essential supplies. The United States has recorded 1,227 cases of measles as of Tuesday, with outbreaks active in a dozen states.

    The propagation of this highly infectious, preventable disease has been ongoing in New Mexico since February. The initial outbreak surfaced in Lea County, closely bordering the site of a significant outbreak in Texas that has affected 750 individuals since late January. New Mexico reported 81 confirmed cases of measles by Tuesday, with the recent announcement increasing that number to 86. Tragically, in March, a resident succumbed to measles, having been unvaccinated and failing to seek medical treatment.

    Dr. Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, has cautioned that the measles health crisis is ongoing. He emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for residents of Luna County, to combat the spread of the virus.

    In mid-June, health officials issued warnings following the detection of measles in the wastewater system of Deming, indicating broader community transmission. According to Pablo Montoya, the warden of the detention center, symptoms in the affected inmates emerged a week ago. Those tested positive are currently quarantined, with all on-site visits halted and legal proceedings moved to virtual platforms.

    Since the initial reports in February, New Mexico has seen a marked increase in the administration of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. As of Monday, over 37,500 doses had been dispensed, a significant rise from the approximately 19,300 doses given during the same period last year. The measles vaccine, which is widely recommended for children in the United States, is considered safe and provides 97% efficacy after two doses.