LEA COUNTY, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Health announced there are now 33 cases of measles. Before, they were all in Lea County, but now one of those cases is in Eddy County.

The majority of cases are among people who are unvaccinated, but one person did have at least one dose of the vaccine.

When you take a look at ages, a majority of those infected are 18 and older.

On Tuesday, Hobbs Municipal Schools confirmed two of those cases are within their “family” but they didn’t say whether the cases were among students or staff.

In a statement, superintendent Gene Strickland said as a result of the outbreak, the district is cleaning surfaces more frequently.

While this is nowhere near the level of the COVID pandemic, measles can be deadly. In Lea County, one person has died and another is in the hospital.

The cause of death for that person has not been revealed, but when asked if it’s related to measles, the DOH said it’s “highly suspicious.” The department is emphasizing the best way to take care of yourself is to get vaccinated.

“If maybe you’re someone who hasn’t had a chance to get vaccinated, and now you’re traveling and, you know, go get vaccinated now, like literally today, and that will protect you against any measles that might be circulating in that environment,” said Miranda Durham, chief medical officer of the New Mexico Department of Health.

There are some exceptions to vaccinations. For example, if you have a child younger than 1-years-old, DOH still recommends you wait until they turn one as their age group hasn’t been severely impacted.

Durham also said this is not like COVID. If you’re vaccinated, you can go to large gatherings like the state basketball tournament happening in Albuquerque. Measles is spread through droplets in the air.

NMDOH does expect cases to climb. To further protect yourself, you can wear a mask.