Health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of measles in 2026 after a federal inmate detained at a facility in southern New Mexico has tested positive. The case comes months after an outbreak across the state last year that infected 100 people.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) stated that it has yet to identify any public exposure sites associated with the patient. NMDOH is working with Hidalgo County officials to enforce quarantine, isolation, testing, and vaccination protocols to prevent further spread.
“This new case reminds us that the risk for measles did not end following the 2025 statewide outbreak,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH chief medical officer. “We continue to encourage everyone in New Mexico to be fully vaccinated against measles,” she added.
The inmate’s vaccination status has remained unknown. NMDOH Scientific Laboratory confirmed the case.
What to watch
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs of infection include fever, runny nose, cough, and red eyes. These are followed by a red, spotted rash that usually starts on the face or head before spreading downward.
Health officials said an infected person can spread the virus from either four days before or four days after the rash appears.
New Mexico’s measles 2025 outbreak was the first since 1996. The outbreak was declared over after health officials had recorded 100 confirmed cases between February and September 2025 in nine counties. Of the total cases, one death was recorded.
What to do
Health officials urged the public who develop symptoms and believe they may have been exposed to call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). Residents may also text 66364 (NMDOH) or use the chat feature on the agency’s website.
Patients who plan to visit a clinic or emergency department should call ahead so healthcare workers can take proper precautions. Health officials reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.