Coronavirus in New Mexico: Here’s what we know now, latest updates
After originating in China late last year, the coronavirus has spread globally and now locally.
The outbreak was confirmed in New Mexico on March 11. Cases have also been confirmed in neighboring states like Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah and Arizona.
The World Health Organization has declared the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. Here’s what we know about the virus in New Mexico so far:
Where are the coronavirus cases in New Mexico?
New Mexico currently has 23 active cases of coronavirus.
The total number of cases, per county, confirmed so far are:
- 14 cases in Bernalillo County
- 2 cases in Sandoval County
- 4 cases in Santa Fe County
- 2 cases in Socorro County
- 1 case in Taos County
Two of the patients have been hospitalized, per the governor's office.
The first three cases were reported on March 11. The state reported that a Socorro County husband and wife, both in their 60s, and a Bernalillo County woman in her 70s tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Coronavirus in NM:States confirms 23rd case
How did NM get coronavirus?
Like the common cold and the flu, coronavirus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets, according to the CDC.
Each of the state residents had returned from traveling to areas where the virus has previously spread.
The Socorro County couple had recently traveled to Egypt. The Bernalillo County woman recently returned home from New York City.
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What is the state doing about it?
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a public health emergency hours after the state confirmed the presence of coronavirus in the state. In a press conference with state health officials, Grisham also announced it is restricting out-of-state travel for state employees and advised others to avoid public gatherings.
Large public events organized by the state have also been postponed or canceled. The Gathering of Nations, which was set to take place in April, has been postponed.
Where and how many coronavirus cases are there elsewhere?
As of Wednesday, March 18, confirmed coronavirus cases had surpassed 7,000 across all 50 states and D.C, and the U.S. death toll rose to 115 while the worldwide total topped 8,249.
Nationwide:Latest updates as of Wednesday, March 18
The U.S. Department of State previously advised U.S. residents against traveling by cruise ship as cases of coronavirus continue to be diagnosed throughout the world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and advise travelers from nonessential travel to some countries.
Latest travel warnings:
For a map with a detailed look at where cases are and when they became active, click here.
How do you get coronavirus?
Like the common cold and the flu, coronavirus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets, according to the CDC.
Coronavirus is spreading rapidly from person to person, and scientists are still learning more about how coronavirus spreads.
There's no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food, according to the CDC.
It is, however, possible that a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. There is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of coronavirus
The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people don't have any symptoms at all.
About 1 in 6 people become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing, according to the World Health Organization. If you experience fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your doctor.
Read more about the coronavirus pandemic:
- In China, good news:Fewest number of coronavirus cases since China started tracking in January
- Stocks, not so much:Global stocks, oil prices sink, investors should 'brace for volatility'
- 'Scary for everybody':This is what it's like in Seattle and King County
- Coronavirus myths, debunked:A cattle vaccine, bioweapons and a $3,000 test
No, you don't need a facemask to prepare for coronavirus
But do take typical flu-season precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your cough
- Stay home when sick
- Clean household objects and surfaces
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
You don't need a face mask unless you have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. Buying up masks takes away precious materials from the health workers who need them most.
Contributing: Grace Pateras, USA TODAY Network; John Bacon, USA TODAY, Jorge Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Associated Press