New Mexico health officials declares end to measles outbreak

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(Reuters) -New Mexico health officials on Friday declared an end to the state’s measles outbreak that began in February and became its largest in decades.

The New Mexico Department of Health said the outbreak was over after 42 days passed without any new cases. The last infections were reported in Santa Fe County on August 14.

The outbreak was part of a broader measles crisis that has made 2025 the second-highest year for measles cases in the United States in 25 years. As of September 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,514 measles cases nationwide.

Texas reported 762 confirmed cases since late January, making it the state with the most cases during this outbreak period.

New Mexico’s outbreak began on February 14 and was linked to exposures from the large outbreak in neighboring West Texas.

“We are thankful to the thousands of New Mexicans who received their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, New Mexico Department of Health acting state epidemiologist.

Last month, health officials in West Texas said their outbreak was over and said they would shift focus to vaccination campaigns to prevent future outbreaks.

More than 56,000 people received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine since early February, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The vaccine remains available across the state.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, cough and a characteristic rash. It can also lead to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.

(Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)