EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Five detainees tested positive for measles at the Luna County Detention Center in Deming, and the New Mexico Department of Health is investigating the incident, the Department said in a press release on Thursday, June 26.
The Department says it’s providing personal equipment, test kits, and measles vaccines to the detention center, which houses about 400 people and employs close to 100 staff members.
The Department is also checking the vaccination status of the inmates and staff at the facility.
“The cases at Luna County Detention Center are a stark reminder that the measles outbreak in New Mexico is not over,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health. “We urge everyone in New Mexico, especially Luna County residents, to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against measles.”
Measles symptoms develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body, the Department said.
People can pass measles to someone else anywhere between four days before to four days after the rash is gone.
If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home to prevent further spread and contact your healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for further guidance.
The NMDOH Helpline will also assist you with identifying locations where you and your family can be vaccinated.
For more information about measles, click here: http://measles.doh.nm.gov/.
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