New Mexico
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.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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