Mega Doctor News
4-16-24 UPDATE:
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed five (5) additional measles cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to thirteen (13).
The newly confirmed cases involve an unvaccinated male in his 20s, two unvaccinated children, a female in her 50s with unknown vaccination status and male in his 60s with unknown vaccination status.
Health officials have initiated contact tracing to identify potential exposures and are coordinating with state partners to prevent further spread of the virus.
Although approximately 98 percent of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles, public health officials remain concerned about unvaccinated pockets within the community. Unvaccinated individuals remain at the highest risk of infection.
The measles vaccine (MMR) is highly effective, but not 100% foolproof. Two doses provide approximately 97% protection, meaning a small number of vaccinated individuals may still contract the virus—particularly during outbreaks or in cases of weakened immune response. However, vaccinated individuals who become infected are far less likely to experience serious complications or transmit the virus to others.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE LOCATIONS
Anyone who visited the following locations on the dates and times noted should verify their immunization status and monitor for symptoms:
| Date | Location | Time |
| 4/04/2025 | Walmart1850 Zaragoza | 4:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. |
| 4/05/2025 | El Paso International Airport6701 Convair | 8 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. |
| 4/07/2025 | El Paso International Airport6701 Convair | 1:30 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. |
| 4/04/2025 | Los Toreados5331 Marcillus | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
Anyone who: (1) visited any of the locations above on the specified dates and times, and (2) develops a fever and rash, should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and testing. For questions or concerns, residents may also call the Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357).
4-15-25 Update
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three (3) additional measles cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to eight (8).
The newly confirmed cases involve an unvaccinated female infant, a vaccinated male teenager, and a woman in her 30s with unknown vaccination status.
Health officials have initiated contact tracing to identify potential exposures and are coordinating with state partners to prevent further spread of the virus.
Although approximately 98 percent of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles, public health officials remain concerned about unvaccinated pockets within the community. Unvaccinated individuals remain at the highest risk of infection.
The measles vaccine (MMR) is highly effective, but like all vaccines, it is not 100% foolproof. Two doses provide about 97% protection. In rare cases, vaccinated individuals may still contract measles—especially during outbreaks or when immune response is compromised. However, this is not a common occurrence, and those who are vaccinated and do become infected typically experience milder symptoms and are much less likely to develop serious complications or transmit the virus to others.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE LOCATIONS
Anyone who visited the following locations on the dates and times noted should verify their immunization status and monitor for symptoms:
| Date | Location | Time |
| 3/28/2025 | Peter Piper Pizza 5230 E. Paisano | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
| 3/31/2025 | Kohl’s at Bassett Center6001 Gateway Blvd. West | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| 4/03/2025 | Kohl’s at Bassett Center 6001 Gateway Blvd. West | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
Anyone who: (1) visited any of the locations above on the specified dates and times, and (2) develops a fever and rash, should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and testing. For questions or concerns, residents may also call the Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357).
“We urge residents to be vigilant of any symptoms they may have and to stay home if you feel sick,” said Dr. HectorOcaranza, City-County Health Authority. “With the upcoming holidays it is vital for the community to protect themselves and others. Vaccination protects not just your family—it also reduces the risk of outbreaks and protects our most vulnerable neighbors.”
ABOUT MEASLES
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the head down to the rest of the body.
Infected individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash, with the day the rash appears considered Day 0.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those at increased risk of contracting measles include:
· Individuals who are unvaccinated
· Recent travelers to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks
· Immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment
FREE MEASLES VACCINATION CLINICS
Walk-in immunization services are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch), at the following DPH clinics:
· Lower Valley Community Clinic: 9341 Alameda Ave.
· Henderson Community Clinic: 721 S. Mesa St.
· Northeast Community Clinic: 9566 Railroad Dr.
· Westside Community Clinic: 7380 Remcon Cir.
To schedule an appointment, call (915) 212-6555.
For additional information on measles symptoms, vaccination, and potential exposure, the City of El Paso has activated a Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357). Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit EPHealth.com under the Vaccination & Immunizations tab.
