Measles Alert in Luna County: Wastewater Detection Raises Concerns

Measles Virus Detected in Deming Wastewater, Health Officials Warn

By: ProHonos Media™ | June 17, 2025

DEMING, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Health announced Tuesday that wastewater testing in Deming has detected the measles virus, prompting urgent calls for Luna County residents to check their vaccination status as the state continues battling its largest measles outbreak in years.

The positive sample, collected from Deming's wastewater system, indicates at least one person infected with measles has been in the area recently, according to health officials. No confirmed clinical cases have been reported in Luna County, but the detection suggests undiagnosed infections may be circulating in the community of approximately 25,000 residents.

"This is a significant concern," said Dr. Daniel Sosin, NMDOH medical epidemiologist. "Wastewater testing gives us an early warning system, but it means someone with measles has been in our community."

The detection comes as New Mexico faces its most severe measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated nationwide in 2000. The outbreak began in February in Lea County and has spread to at least seven counties across the state, with health officials confirming more than 78 cases through May.

Statewide Outbreak Spreads

The measles outbreak has affected counties including Lea, Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, Sandoval, and San Juan. Recent developments include a similar wastewater detection in Roswell on June 3 and potential exposures in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Sandoval counties linked to infected travelers announced June 13.

Luna County's location along major transportation corridors and its proximity to the Mexican border make it particularly vulnerable to viral spread. The county is home to the Luna County Detention Center, though officials have not indicated whether the facility is connected to the wastewater detection.

Measles ranks among the most contagious diseases known to medicine, with each infected person capable of transmitting the virus to 12-18 others in unvaccinated populations. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets that can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.

Vaccination Campaign Intensifies

State health officials have launched an aggressive vaccination campaign in response to the outbreak. Between February and May, more than 27,000 New Mexicans received MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines—double the number from the same period in 2024.

Luna County residents can receive free MMR vaccines at the Deming Public Health Office at 1510 S. Slate Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Officials recommend calling 575-546-2771 before visiting to confirm availability.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing lifelong protection with two doses. Health officials emphasize that vaccination is the only reliable protection against measles, which can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.

Symptoms and Isolation Guidelines

Measles symptoms typically appear 10-14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The characteristic red, blotchy rash usually develops 3-5 days later, starting at the hairline and spreading downward.

Infected individuals remain contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after, making early isolation critical. Anyone experiencing potential symptoms should immediately isolate and contact their healthcare provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

"Do not go directly to a healthcare facility," officials warn. "Call first to prevent exposing others."

Early Warning System Proves Valuable

The wastewater detection demonstrates the effectiveness of New Mexico's surveillance program, which monitors sewage samples across multiple counties. The system can detect viral particles days or weeks before clinical symptoms appear or are recognized.

"This technology is giving us a crucial head start," said health officials. "It allows us to respond before we see confirmed cases."

The Deming detection follows a similar pattern seen in Roswell, where wastewater testing detected measles before clinical cases were identified. Health officials say the surveillance program has become an essential tool in tracking and containing the outbreak.

Community Response Urged

Local officials are urging Luna County residents to take immediate action. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations are being asked to review their vaccination policies and encourage employees and members to verify their immunization status.

"We need community-wide immunity to prevent an outbreak," health officials said. "Measles requires approximately 95% vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity."

U.S. medical professionals administer MMR vaccine (Photo: Sgt. Devin Nothstine)

The outbreak has prompted broader discussions about vaccine hesitancy and access to healthcare in rural New Mexico communities. Health officials say public cooperation is essential to containing the spread.

For updates on the measles outbreak, residents can visit the NMDOH website at nmhealth.org or call the helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE.

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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.