UpLifting Wellness: New Mexico and COVID-19, OB-GYN deserts and rabies
Our September UpLifting Wellness column covers COVID-19 in New Mexico and FDA approval of the 2024-2025 vaccine formula, our state’s “OB-GYN deserts,” and the first in-state case of rabies during 2024.
by Samantha Anne Carrillo
Don’t count coronavirus out
In the lead-up to fall, New Mexico is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 infections. Nationwide, this summer’s COVID infection rates are higher than they’ve been during the past two years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the dominant COVID strains are still KP.2 and KP.3 variants—from a family of strains known as FLiRT variants—which are subvariants of omicron subvariant JN.1. The best defense we have against the ongoing COVID pandemic continues to be vaccination alongside common-sense infection control methods like washing hands frequently and masking up in crowded public spaces.
On Aug. 22, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. To stay apprised of COVID, influenza and RSV infection rates in the state and expected delivery of the 2024-2025 vaccine, check out the New Mexico Department of Health’s Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard at bit.ly/nmvrid and its Vaccine Portal at vaccine.doh.nm.gov.
Statewide lack of OB-GYN access
Across the state of New Mexico, residents are struggling with a lack of access to obstetric and gynecological health care. According to The University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health (COPH), 33 percent of counties—roughly 1 in 3—within the state are classified as “OB deserts,” places where access to obstetric care providers is few and far between. Sparsely populated rural areas tend to experience the most severe OB health care shortages but residents of some suburban and urban communities in New Mexico may also face insufficient access to essential health care services because of socioeconomic issues.
According to Source New Mexico reporting, “Lack of prenatal care can lead to pregnancy complications, birth complications for mother and baby and even death. The New Mexico Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported to state lawmakers in late 2023 that maternal deaths in the state continue to be largely preventable and at a rate much higher than national numbers.” Learn more about New Mexico’s OB deserts by reading the full Source New Mexico article “About a third of New Mexico counties characterized as ‘maternity care deserts’” at bit.ly/obdesertsnm.
New Mexico reports first rabies case of 2024
On Aug. 7, a joint press release issued by the National Park Service and the New Mexico Department of Health reported the first confirmed rabies case of the year in northern New Mexico. Bandelier National Monument confirmed that a bat found dead within the park tested positive for rabies. Both agencies report that the bat, discovered in the Cottonwood Picnic Area on July 7, is not known to have had any human contact. Anyone who touched or had contact with any bat in that area in early July is urged to contact their healthcare provider or the New Mexico Department of Health promptly.
The state health department offers the following advice to keep your family safe from rabies: Always keep pets on a leash and up to date on their legally required rabies vaccinations. Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. If you or someone you know is bitten by a wild animal or comes into contact with its saliva, wash immediately with soap and water, report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care. Learn more by reading the full press release at bit.ly/rabiesnm24. If you have further questions or concerns, call the state health department at 1-833-796-8773.