Local News
New Mexico Department of Health Confirms Measles Case in Deceased Lea County Resident
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed that a deceased resident of Lea County tested positive for measles, marking a rare and serious case of the highly contagious disease.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator is currently determining the official cause of death.
However, laboratory testing conducted by the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the measles virus in the individual.
Officials report that the deceased was unvaccinated and did not seek medical care prior to passing.
It remains unclear how or where the individual contracted the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death.
According to NMDOH:
- 1 in 5 measles cases requires hospitalization
- Approximately 3 in every 1,000 cases result in death
With ongoing measles exposure concerns in Lea County, NMDOH is urging all residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families, and the community.
The measles vaccine (MMR) is safe, highly effective, and the only proven prevention against the disease.
Residents who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department for guidance.
For more information on measles prevention and vaccinations, visit www.nmhealth.org or call your local NMDOH public health office.
At least eight people sustained injuries on Saturday afternoon when a driver crashed a vehicle into a CarMax dealership in Inglewood, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. at the CarMax located in the 8600 block of South La Cienega Boulevard, according to officials.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD) arrived at the scene and assessed the injured.
Two individuals were transported to a hospital in critical condition, while six others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Despite the impact, the building did not sustain significant structural damage, officials noted.
The circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
Initial reports to emergency services indicated a possible active shooter situation; however, LACOFD later clarified that no shooting had occurred.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.