News Brief (updated to include reported info on measles death in New Mexico)


One Adult Death, 30 Measles Infections in Eastern New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed that a deceased adult in Lea County NM, who was unvaccinated, tested positive for measles. The adult did not seek medical care prior to their death, but the department later confirmed the presence of the measles virus.

As of March 7, 2025, the department has confirmed 30 cases, but warns “additional cases are likely to occur in Lea County and the surrounding communities.”

According to statistics from the department, 26 infections have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, zero in vaccinated persons, with four cases unknown.

In addition, 11 of the 26 cases with age-related data have occurred in children under the age of 18.

The death is the second measles-related fatality reported this year, after a school-aged child died in Texas in February.


Unrelated Case Confirmed in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials announced today a positive case of measles in a Howard County resident who recently traveled internationally. This case is not associated with the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. Out of an abundance of caution, health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

The department warns anyone who visited the following locations during any of the following hours may have been exposed:

  • Washington Dulles International Airport: Terminal A, on transportation to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area
    • ​March 5th, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department
    • ​March 7th, 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm