An unvaccinated adult in New Mexico has tragically passed away after testing positive for measles, marking the second death in a concerning outbreak that has been escalating along the West Texas-New Mexico border. Health officials reported this development on Thursday, raising alarms about the ongoing health crisis.
According to officials from the New Mexico health department, the individual did not seek medical care prior to their death. The official cause of death is currently under investigation by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. However, laboratory tests from the state health department have confirmed the presence of the measles virus in the deceased individual.
This person resided in Lea County, which has reported at least ten cases of measles. Notably, Lea County is located just over the border from Gaines County, Texas, where the outbreak appears to be centered. Among the cases reported in Lea County, six involve adults and four involve children. Alarmingly, seven of these ten cases are among individuals who are unvaccinated, while the vaccination history of three remains unknown.
In total, 169 cases of measles have been reported across New Mexico and Texas, though health officials warn that the actual number could be significantly higher. The state health department has emphasized the highly contagious nature of the measles virus, which can spread rapidly through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs.
State officials have chosen not to disclose specific details regarding the deceased individual's age, sex, or any underlying medical conditions. Additionally, there has been no confirmation on whether contact tracing is currently underway to identify others who may have been exposed to this highly contagious virus.
This recent death follows another tragic incident that occurred on February 26, when an unvaccinated and otherwise healthy 6-year-old child in Texas succumbed to the disease. This marked the first measles fatality since 2015, highlighting the critical need for vaccination and public awareness.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Health officials continue to urge the public to seek vaccination against measles to prevent further outbreaks and protect community health.
