On Jun. 17, 2025, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced that wastewater in Deming has tested positive for measles, based on an analysis by the department. The sample, taken on June 10, is part of a wastewater testing initiative the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is conducting in 11 treatment facilities around the state since mid-March. While the testing does not confirm the timing, location or number of people infected with measles, it can serve as an early warning system that the measles virus is likely active in the area. 
 
“This detection tells us there was at least one person infectious with measles in Deming on June 10 that has gone undiagnosed,” said Dr. Daniel Sosin, NMDOH Medical Epidemiologist. “We expect that there may be more cases in Luna County in the coming days.”  
 
There are currently 81 measles cases reported in New Mexico. The wastewater sample does not represent an official measles case, but the positive sample is a reminder for Luna County residents to check their vaccination status for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). This vaccine is considered the best protection against the measles virus. To date, 36,011 New Mexicans have received MMR shots since February 1. 

NMDOH conducts weekly wastewater measles testing in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County, Carlsbad, Chaparral, Deming, Las Cruces, Portales, Rincon, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Santa Fe and the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Doña Ana County.

Measles symptoms develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. People can pass measles to someone else anywhere between four days before to four days after the rash is gone.