New Mexico

NMHealth officials talk virus season and how to stay well

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2024

NMHealth officials talk virus season and how to stay well

As the holiday season approaches, we should be mindful of what’s in the air but officials say there is much more you can do to keep yourself well.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Viruses are in the air and very contagious this time of the year and there are some steps you can take to keep yourself well.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, now until February is prime time for seasonal viruses like COVID, RSV and the flu. The virus circulating the most now, NMHealth officials say, is COVID. They’re seeing COVID pop up three times as much as flu or RSV but say we could soon see RSV cases rise in New Mexico.

“With RSV, what we’re seeing is the southeast of the United States, the cases are starting to go up, and usually the pattern is, it goes up in the southeast and then shortly we see it in New Mexico,” said Miranda Durham, the chief medical officer at NMHealth.

It can be confusing because they all share similar symptoms, like a runny nose, having a cough and body aches. Durham said flu and COVID both share the symptom of having a fever and a linger cough with RSV.

To prevent these illnesses, officials say washing your hands, wearing a mask if you have symptoms, staying home and getting your vaccines is paramount.

“Number one for prevention is vaccines. And it’s really not too late. We hear a lot about vaccines in the early fall. If you have put it off and think its too late, it’s not too late. Right now, is a great time to go and get vaccinated,” Durham stated.

Durham added your body needs two weeks to build the maximum protection against viruses when you get a vaccine.

For more information about vaccines and where to get them, visit this website.

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New Mexico

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

QUAY COUNTY, N.M. – A grass fire has burned an estimated 1,000-2,000 acres near San Jon in Quay County.

Emergency crews say the Old 66 Fire is threatening structures, and remains 0% contained.

The New Mexico Forestry Division said crews discovered the fire at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.

Smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and surrounding areas.

The fire is on private land and the cause remains under investigation.

State Road 469 is closed at Main Avenue. Officials said local residents should use caution and avoid the area.

Structures threatened include a wind farm to the southwest.

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