LAS CRUCES – the new Mexico Department of Health is investigating a case of the measles in Otero County. the scientific laboratory division confirmed the case in a 14-month-old boy who traveled from Europe who is recovering at home.

Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air. Early symptoms of measles include red eyes, fever, runny nose and cough. Within a few days following the cough and runny nose, a rash will typically begin on the head and spread down the body. Measles is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms and laboratory testing.

The Department of Health recommends that anyone traveling outside of the country should check to be sure that they are current on all immunizations, including the measles vaccination.

Vaccines are free for any child in new Mexico, regardless of insurance status, under the Vaccines for Children program.

Children who have no insurance coverage can get the vaccine at their local public health office. Public health office contact information can be found in the blue pages of the phone book or online at nmhealth.org.

Adults needing measles vaccine can contact their medical provider or Nurse Advice new Mexico at (877) 725-2552.

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Jan. 27 (PNA) — Bulakenyos who have been bitten or scratched by rabies-carrying animal could now avail of the full or four doses of anti-rabies vaccine for free.

The provincial government, through the initiative of Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, is giving the free vaccines in an effort to lessen the number of rabies cases in the province.

Based on the report of the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) as of third quarter last year, there were 19 death cases due to rabies while there were 8,401 animal bite cases.

Report also showed that the PPHO has provided initial assistance to 6,760 patients.

Beneficiaries like Jose Dionisio, grandfather of Cedrick Dionisio, an eight-year old boy who was bitten by a dog, expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the program.

“The money which was supposed to be used for his rabies vaccine was allotted for other expenses. we indeed saved a lot,” Dionisio said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Agriculture Office is also giving free anti-rabies vaccine to dogs all over Bulacan.

A continuous information dissemination, on the other hand, is being conducted province-wide by PPHO to teach the people how to prevent and combat rabies and give counseling, surveillance, and logistic augmentation to affected local government units.

The PPHO has reminded the public to be responsible pet caretakers by: giving proper and regular vaccination to their pets; keeping them under direct supervision; giving clean food and maintaining the cleanliness of the pet.

The PPHO also advised persons bitten and scratched by animals suspected of having rabies to wash the wound immediately with soap and water and observe the dog for 14 days for some changes including constant growling and barking, dilated pupils, disorientation, craving to eat anything, including inedible objects, and seizures.

Usually, the animal dies in three to seven days.

If the pet has these symptoms, the patient must be vaccinated and if the animal has gone astray and cannot be observed, it is best advised to consult with the nearest health center or public hospital, the PPHO added. (PNA) LAP/zst/EGG/ps