- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
New Mexico Measles Cases Rise to 15 in Detention Centers
All cases linked to federal detainees in three county jails
Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:40pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The number of measles cases in New Mexico has risen to 15, with all cases linked to three county detention centers. Ten cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Doña Ana County Detention Center, and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. The cases involve federal detainees, and the New Mexico Department of Health has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities.
Why it matters
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and the outbreak in New Mexico's detention centers raises concerns about the potential for further spread, especially as spring travel season continues. The state has seen a significant increase in measles vaccinations following a previous outbreak, but health officials are still encouraging residents to review their vaccination records.
The details
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported that the state's measles case count has risen to 15, all linked to the three county detention centers. The cases involve federal detainees, and NMDOH has sent vaccination crews to the facilities to try to reduce the risk of further spread.
- The measles cases were first reported in March 2026.
The players
New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH)
The state health department that is leading the response to the measles outbreak in New Mexico's detention centers.
Dr. Chad Smelser
A medical epidemiologist with the NMDOH who has provided guidance on the measles outbreak.
Luna County Detention Center
A county detention center in New Mexico that has reported 10 measles cases among federal detainees.
Doña Ana County Detention Center
A county detention center in New Mexico that has reported 3 measles cases among federal detainees.
Hidalgo County Detention Center
A county detention center in New Mexico that has reported 2 measles cases among federal detainees.
What they’re saying
“Measles is very contagious and there have been almost 1500 measles infections reported this year in the United States. The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated.”
— Dr. Chad Smelser, Medical Epidemiologist, New Mexico Department of Health
What’s next
The New Mexico Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation and work to contain the spread of measles in the detention centers through vaccination efforts.
The takeaway
This measles outbreak in New Mexico's detention centers highlights the importance of vaccination, especially among vulnerable populations, to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases. The state's previous experience with measles outbreaks has helped inform its response, but ongoing vigilance and public education will be crucial to protect the health of all residents.
