SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed a new measles case in Valencia County, bringing the state’s total number of reported measles cases in 2026 to 19.
Health officials say the latest case involves an unvaccinated child who is recovering at home.
As part of its investigation, the Department of Health has identified two locations where members of the public may have been exposed to the virus:
- Walmart, 1 I-25 Bypass in Belen, on Sept. 4 between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Presbyterian Urgent Care, 609 Christopher Road in Belen, on Sept. 8 between 8:25 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Officials are asking anyone who was at either location during those time periods to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.
According to the Department of Health, measles symptoms typically develop between seven and 21 days after exposure and often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
State epidemiologists say measles remains highly contagious and can spread before a person knows they are ill.
“Every new measles case is a reminder you can protect yourself and your loved ones with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health.
Health officials say the child is recovering at home and no additional information about the patient has been released.
