Video: February coverage of measles found near New Mexico's border. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — There are now 54 cases of measles in New Mexico, the department of health confirmed on Friday. Those cases are concentrated to the southern portion of the state, specifically Lea and Eddy County. Te xas measles outbreak approaches 500 cases According to state health officials, most cases involve unvaccinated residents. Between Feb. 1 and April 3 this year, 15,718 residents received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. That's nearly double the MMR vaccinations given out during this same time period last year. "We are grateful for the response New Mexicans have had in getting their measles vaccination over these last two months,” said New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miranda Durham. “Without it, measles outbreaks are more likely to last longer and increase over time." NMDOH says the MMR vaccine is considered very effective against measles. One dose has a 93% efficacy rate, with the second dose increasing that rate to 97%. The vaccine provides lifetime protection. State health officials do not consider this to be a rapidly expanding outbreak, but a situation where cases have occurred steadily over time. The health department re-emphasized how contagious the infection is — someone with the measles can infect others four days before rash onset, and they may be infectious for up to four days after the rash appears. If an infectious person is in an enclosed space, the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after the person has left. Symptoms begin with a cough, runny nose, and eye redness, then typically progress to a fever and rash starting on the head before spreading down the body. If you have a fever and rash, you're asked to call your doctor or the emergency department. The NMDOH health line can be reached at 1-833-796-8773. That line is staffed by nurses able to give guidance in both English and Spanish. ...read more read less