LEA COUNTY, N.M. - The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed the first case of measles this year.
State health leaders say the patient is a teen in Lea County and was not vaccinated against the virus. The state health department is working with the teen's family to identify anyone they may have come in contact with.
Anyone who visited the following locations during the given times and day may have been exposed to measles:
Folks can check their vaccination status online here.
Measles is extremely contagious. Symptoms appear one to three weeks after exposure. They include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Those are followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face.
The best protection against measles is the vaccine. The health department is hosting vaccination clinics in Lea County the next two weeks at the Hobbs Public Health Office. The clinic starts at 9 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. You don't need an appointment.