Lea County resident tests positive for measles after death, NMDOH confirms

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico health officials confirmed a Lea County resident, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for measles after they died.

The state medical Investigator’s office is still investigating the official cause of death but NMDOH lab results confirmed the presence of measles in them. According to the NMDOH, that person didn’t seek medical care before they died.

NMDOH has scheduled free measles vaccination clinics in Lea County for Tuesday, March 11:

• 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the Hobbs Public Health Office, 1923 N. Dal Paso.
• 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the Lovington Public Health Office, 302 N. 5th Street.  

If you have symptoms, they advise you to call before visiting. Then, staff will provide guidance based on symptom severity. Here are the numbers:

• Hobbs Office 575-397-2463
• Lovington Office 575-396-2853.

NMDOH has a helpline set up to provide answers to measles-related questions. You can reach it at 1-833-796-8773. Nurses speaking English and Spanish are available to help.