EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The New Mexico Department of Health has declared the state’s measles outbreak to be over.

The outbreak started on Feb. 14 in Lea County and the last cases were reported in Santa Fe County on Aug. 14, the NMDOH said.

Public health authorities consider a measles outbreak over when 42 days pass without new cases, a timeframe that represents twice the virus’ maximum incubation period, NMDOH said.

“We are thankful to the thousands of New Mexicans who received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, New Mexico Department of Health acting state epidemiologist. “Fully vaccinated people and those who got caught up with their vaccines during this outbreak prevented it from spreading further.”

One hundred cases of measles were identified d

See Full Page