NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico’s measles outbreak has now grown to nearly 100 cases statewide, and just weeks away from the start of the school year, there’s concern about the possibility of more cases. The latest measles case was found in an unvaccinated child under 10 years old in Santa Fe County. Nearly half the cases have been in patients under 18 years old. “A three-week waiting period to watch for symptoms that might develop takes us right into the start of the school year,” said Dr. Mark DiMenna, City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department Deputy Director.
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While the vast majority have been found in southern New Mexico, Santa Fe County reported its first case this week, which is something the school district is watching out for. “Of course, if someone came to school that had a rash of unknown origin or a rash with a fever, we would be immediately isolating them and sending them for a higher level of care,” said Myrna Barbee-Lee, Santa Fe Public Schools lead nurse.
There are exceptions for religious beliefs or medical conditions, but all New Mexico students are required to get both doses of the measles vaccine to attend class. If there is exposure at a school, patients can expect to get an official notification. They’re remaining parents that even if their child is vaccinated, they can still contract the virus. “Whether the child is vaccinated or not, pay attention when the school is putting out notifications that there’s been a measles exposure at school, or a sports venue, where the kids have been at where they could have been exposed – watch for those symptoms and take them seriously,” said Dr. DiMenna…