Courtesy of Artesia General Hospital

As measles cases rise in our area, it’s more important than ever to arm ourselves with the right information and practical tips to safeguard our families. In this post, we explore effective preventive measures—from vaccination to everyday hygiene practices—that can help reduce your risk of contracting and spreading measles.

Understand the Risks

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Even a brief exposure in a crowded place can lead to transmission, which is why understanding the risks is the first step toward protection. Being aware of the symptoms—such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash—can also help you identify potential cases early on.

Vaccination: Your First Line of Defense

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is proven to be safe and highly effective. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend that all eligible individuals receive the vaccine. For children, the first dose is typically administered around 12-15 months of age, with a booster given between 4-6 years. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their immunization status should consult with their healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine.

Practice Good Hygiene

While vaccination is crucial, practicing good hygiene can further reduce your risk of infection:

• Frequent Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or coming into contact with someone who is sick.

• Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

• Avoid Close Contact: During an outbreak, try to avoid crowded places or maintain a safe distance from individuals showing symptoms of illness.

Stay Informed with Trusted Sources

Reliable information is key during an outbreak. Regularly check updates from trusted sources like your local health department and the CDC. The CDC provides detailed guidelines on measles prevention, vaccination schedules, and what to do if you suspect exposure. Staying informed ensures you’re aware of any changes in recommendations and can act promptly if necessary.

Protecting Vulnerable Family Members

Some individuals, such as infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk for severe complications from measles. Here are some steps to protect these vulnerable members:

• Consult Healthcare Providers: If you have a family member who is at high risk, speak with a healthcare provider to understand specific precautions.

• Ensure Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Double-check that all family members, especially those in close contact with high-risk individuals, are up to date on their vaccinations.

• Limit Exposure: Consider reducing outings or visits to crowded public places during an active outbreak.

What to Do If You Suspect Exposure

If you believe you or a family member has been exposed to measles, it’s important to act quickly:

• Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for early signs of measles such as fever, cough, or rash.

• Seek Medical Advice: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms appear. Early intervention can be crucial, especially for those at higher risk.

• Isolate if Necessary: Follow the advice of your local health authorities regarding isolation to prevent further spread.

Conclusion

Preventing the spread of measles is a community effort. By ensuring that you and your family are vaccinated, practicing rigorous hygiene, and staying informed through trusted sources like the CDC, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection during an outbreak. Remember, your proactive steps not only protect your loved ones but also contribute to the broader community’s health. Stay safe and stay informed!

Debunking Measles Myths: Facts vs. Misinformation

During an outbreak, accurate information is critical. However, misinformation about measles can spread quickly, leading to unnecessary fear and risky behaviors.

Common Measles Myths

Myth 1: Measles Is Just a Mild Childhood Illness

Some believe that measles is a benign part of growing up. However, measles can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death—especially in infants and immunocompromised individuals. The CDC stresses that measles is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly.

Myth 2: Vaccines Are Dangerous and Cause More Harm Than Good

Misinformation often claims that the measles vaccine is unsafe or linked to conditions like autism. Extensive research has consistently shown that the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is both safe and effective. According to the CDC, the vaccine’s benefits far outweigh any minimal risks associated with it.

Myth 3: Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccine-Induced Immunity

Some argue that contracting measles naturally offers stronger immunity than vaccination. While natural infection can provide immunity, the risks of complications far exceed the benefits. Vaccination provides a safe way to build immunity without the dangers of the actual disease, a point well-documented by the CDC.

The Facts Behind Measles

Understanding the Disease

Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. It is highly contagious, and even a short exposure in a public place can result in transmission. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. The severity of measles, especially among vulnerable populations, reinforces the need for accurate information and proper prevention methods.

The Proven Efficacy of Vaccination

The MMR vaccine has been a cornerstone of measles prevention for decades. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to community-wide herd immunity. The CDC recommends that all eligible individuals receive the vaccine as a safe, effective means of preventing outbreaks.

Combating Misinformation

The Role of Reliable Sources

In today’s digital age, misinformation can travel fast. It is crucial to rely on authoritative sources when researching health topics. Trusted organizations like the CDC offer evidence-based guidelines and data that help clarify the real risks and benefits associated with measles and its prevention.

How to Identify Misinformation

• Check the Source: Is the information coming from a reputable public health organization or a well-known medical institution?

• Look for Scientific Evidence: Trusted information is usually backed by research and verified studies.

• Stay Updated: Health guidelines can change. Regularly check trusted websites for the latest information.

Conclusion

Debunking myths and relying on verified facts is essential during a measles outbreak. By understanding the real risks of measles, the proven safety of vaccines, and the importance of credible information, we can better protect ourselves and our communities. For more detailed guidance on measles prevention and the latest updates, visit the CDC’s measles page.

Staying informed with accurate, research-backed data is the best defense against misinformation—ensuring that our decisions are driven by facts, not myths.

Artesia High School’s chapter of the Business Professionals of America met with lawmakers in Santa Fe at the start of the 2025 Legislative Session.

The session opened Jan. 21, and runs until March 22. During the 60-day session, lawmakers will propose and debate hundreds of bills to reform New Mexico State law.

Bills must be approved by both the House and Senate, and signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham by April 11.

Let these nachos be the hit at any gathering

Chips and dip always work when entertaining, and the potential flavor combinations of this classic party offering are endless. When it comes to nachos, the dip and the chip are melded into a single dish for a convenient and tasty offering that works as a snack, appetizer or even a main course. Of course, nachos also are a go-to dish while watching the big game with friends.

Nacho flavors run the gamut from Latin-inspired to chili-covered to everything in between. These Outrageous Barbecued Nachos courtesy of Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook (St. Martino’s Press) by Neal Corman, pair the smoky flavor of slow-cooked barbecue with the zip of some nacho standards like jalapeno peppers and cheese.

Outrageous Barbecued Nachos

Serves 4-6

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken

3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket

1 1/2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce

3/4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

15 pickled jalapeno slices

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

3. Spread half of the tortilla chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.

4. Repeat the process on top of this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.

5. Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the jalapenos.

El Rito Media News Services 

Lori Panteah loved being an early childhood teacher at an Albuquerque day care.

She did the job for over 13 years, she said. But the mother of two could not support her family on her wage of $13.50 per hour and was forced to leave the profession.

“I really loved working with the kids, but it wasn’t good enough,” Panteah said.

She has hope for a comeback, however, under a proposal backed by the governor and the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department to raise the wage floor for early childhood workers from $15 per hour to $18.

During a Monday news conference at the state Capitol, early childhood advocates and officials worked to shore up support for two proposals tied to early child workers’ pay — one to raise their base pay and another to set up a wage and career ladder to make work in early childhood care and education a viable career path.

The proposals face a battle in the Roundhouse. While the executive branch has embraced them, both were left out of the budget recommendation by the powerful Legislative Finance Committee, released earlier this month.

“For far too long, our early childhood workforce have been underpaid and underrecognized,” Early Childhood Education and Care Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky said at the news conference.

Under the governor’s budget recommendations, upping the wage floor for early childhood workers would be a part of a larger, $104.6 million pilot program aimed at broadly improving child care throughout the state. The wage and career ladder comes with an expected price tag of $10 million.

It’s not clear why the Legislative Finance Committee did not include the proposals in its spending plan — efforts to reach leaders of that committee were unsuccessful Monday.

Early childhood advocates were optimistic they could work it out during the session.

“I think there’s a lot of room for negotiation,” said Leila Salim, a spokesperson for OLÉ New Mexico, a nonprofit family advocacy organization. “I think the LFC is usually very conservative in their recommendations, and then throughout the course of the session, there is time to negotiate.”

In a joint written statement, House Appropriations and Finance Committee Chair Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, and Vice Chair Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque, said they would closely review the requested $104.6 million for the pilot program.

“Our focus on HAFC is on making sure that our substantial investments in early childhood education are sustainable and directly serve the kids, families, and providers who care for them across our state,” they wrote.

The wage and career ladder is still being developed, the early childhood department said Monday.

But Valeria Holloway, owner of Las Cruces-based day care Best of the Southwest, said it would broadly help early childhood workers remain in classrooms.

“It is a tool that [recognizes] the skill, dedication and expertise required to nurture the young members of our society,” she said. “It creates opportunities for educators to grow in their careers without being forced to leave the classrooms, where they are needed the most.”

To fund the proposals, Groginsky said the Legislature must also pass House Bill 71, which would double the annual distribution from New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education and Care Fund from $250 million to $500 million.

That bill comes after a measure was passed last year expanding the distribution from about $150 million. On Monday, HB 71 was in the House Education Committee, but had not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

Esteban Candelaria is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. He covers child welfare and the state Children, Youth and Families Department. Learn more about Report for America at reportforamerica.org.