New Mexico health officials have reported that an unvaccinated adult tested positive for measles after their death, raising concerns over a potential second measles-related fatality in the United States this year. However, the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed as measles, and investigations are ongoing. The New Mexico Department of Health made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the deceased individual, a resident of Lea County, did not seek medical care before passing away. If confirmed, this would mark the second measles-related death in the country in 2024, following the recent death of an unvaccinated child in West Texas.
The resurgence of measles in the United States is alarming, especially given that the disease was declared eradicated in the country 25 years ago. The outbreak in West Texas has been particularly severe, with nearly 160 reported cases since late January, predominantly affecting unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Of the total cases, 127 were children under the age of 18. The outbreak has been concentrated in six counties, which collectively account for less than 1% of Texas’ population. Among these, Gaines County has emerged as the epicenter, reporting 107 cases.
One significant factor contributing to the rapid spread of measles in Texas is the high number of vaccine exemptions. In Gaines County, nearly 18% of K-12 students have been exempted from at least one vaccine, making it one of the most vulnerable regions in the state. In one school, almost half of the students were reported to have received at least one vaccine exemption. Texas law permits exemptions for school vaccinations based on reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, which has contributed to the lower vaccination rates and increased susceptibility to outbreaks.
The outbreak in West Texas has also started to spread into eastern New Mexico. As of now, New Mexico has reported 10 measles cases this year, all in Lea County. Of these, six have been adults, while four were children. Health officials stated that seven of the individuals were unvaccinated, while the vaccination status of the remaining three remains unknown.
If the latest New Mexico fatality is officially confirmed as measles-related, it would be the state’s first death from the disease in 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The news has prompted renewed calls from health experts to emphasize the importance of vaccination. Dr. Chad Smelser, New Mexico’s state epidemiologist, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We don’t want to see New Mexicans getting sick or dying from measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in some cases, death. The CDC and other public health agencies continue to stress that the MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect individuals and communities from measles outbreaks. With cases on the rise, health officials are urging parents and guardians to ensure their children receive vaccinations and for adults to verify their immunization status, especially in regions experiencing outbreaks.
As investigations into the New Mexico case continue, health experts warn that the resurgence of measles could become a growing public health crisis if vaccination rates do not improve. The combination of vaccine hesitancy, policy-driven exemptions, and increased outbreaks poses a serious threat to communities across the country.
