Santa Fe, New Mexico — Health officials have confirmed a growing measles outbreak in detention facilities across New Mexico, with total cases rising to 15 statewide. All infections have been identified among federal detainees, according to state health authorities.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported that Luna County accounts for 10 cases, while Doña Ana County has three and Hidalgo County has two. Officials said no hospitalizations or deaths have been linked to the outbreak so far.
In response, vaccination teams have been deployed to affected facilities to limit further spread. Health officials reported administering 160 vaccines in Luna County, 287 in Doña Ana County, and 43 in Hidalgo County. The effort follows previous outreach campaigns credited with boosting vaccination rates during earlier outbreaks.
Measles, once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has reemerged in recent years due to declining vaccination rates and increased international travel. In 2025, the U.S. recorded more than 2,000 cases, including a significant outbreak in New Mexico that marked the state’s first since the 1990s.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash, typically appearing one to three weeks after exposure. Health officials warn the virus is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms appear.
Authorities are urging residents to verify their vaccination status, particularly as spring travel increases the risk of transmission.
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