The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations. All state hospitals are directed through the Order to not only ensure that patients are treated with the appropriate level of care, but to work together. Respiratory Disease Respiratory disease caused by RSV and other viruses is straining the capacity of children’s hospitals in New Mexico. The Department of Health says the state is nearing the strain of activating crisis-level care.A rise in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. New Mexico, like Texas and Tennessee, has a very high rate of influenza, according to CDC data. The new Public Health Order directs and recommends: All hospital systems are mandated to work together to activate a “hub and spoke” model for patient triage. This ensures that patients are transferred to the appropriate level of care based on their vision. NMDOH’s Health Improvement Division has been directed to approve additional hospital beds and other measures to treat her rising RSV cases. Families were also encouraged to wear masks indoors during the holiday season. NMDOH also strongly recommended getting flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.The Department of Health’s Medical Advisory Team will monitor oxygen supplies and address supply shortages as needed. Click here to read the full public health order.
The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations.
All state hospitals have been instructed through the Order not only to ensure that patients are treated with the appropriate level of care, but to work together.
NMDOH says the order is necessary because a surge in respiratory illnesses is causing hospitals and emergency rooms to operate beyond their authorized capacity.
Respiratory illnesses caused by RSV and other viruses are straining the capacity of children’s hospitals in New Mexico. The Department of Health says the state is nearing strain to revitalize critical standards of care.
An increase in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. New Mexico, like Texas and Tennessee, has a very high rate of flu, according to CDC data.
The new Public Health Order directs and recommends:
- All hospital systems are mandated to work together to activate a “hub and spoke” model of patient triage. This ensures that patients are transferred to the appropriate level of care based on their vision.
- NMDOH’s Health Improvement Division has been directed to approve additional hospital bed capacity and other measures to address the rising number of RSV cases.
- Children who experience symptoms of RSV are encouraged to stay home from school or daycare to prevent transmission of the disease.
- Families were also encouraged to wear masks indoors during the holiday season. NMDOH also strongly recommended getting flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.
- The Department of Health’s Medical Advisory Team will monitor oxygen supplies and address shortages as needed.
