The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations. Each state hospital has been instructed to work together and ensure patients are treated with the appropriate levels of care through the order. The NMDOH says the order is needed because hospitals and emergency rooms are operating above their licensed capacity due to severe respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses caused by RSV and other viruses are straining the capacity of pediatric hospitals in New Mexico. The health department says the state is approaching pressure that would activate crisis care standards. The increase in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. CDC data indicates that New Mexico is also experiencing very high flu rates, along with Texas and Tennessee. The new public health order directs and recommends the following: All hospital systems are required to work cooperatively to enable the “hub and spoke” model for patient triage. This will ensure that patients are transferred to appropriate levels of care based on acuity. The Health Improvement Division of NMDOH is also responsible for approving expansion of bed capacity and any other measures to address the increase in RSV cases. Children with RSV symptoms are advised to stay home from school and daycare to prevent disease transmission. Wearing masks indoors was also recommended for families during the holiday season. The NMDOH has also strongly encouraged flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The Department of Health’s medical advisory team will also monitor oxygen supplies to deal with any supply shortages if necessary. Click here to read the full public health order.
The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations.
Each state hospital has been instructed to work together and ensure patients are treated with the appropriate levels of care through the order.
The NMDOH says the order is necessary as hospitals and emergency rooms are operating above their permitted capacity due to the surge in respiratory illnesses.
Respiratory illnesses caused by RSV and other viruses are straining the capacity of children’s hospitals in New Mexico. The health department says the state is approaching pressure that would activate crisis care standards.
The increase in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. CDC data indicates that New Mexico is also experiencing very high flu rates, along with Texas and Tennessee.
The new public health order directs and recommends the following:
- All hospital systems are encouraged to work cooperatively to enable the “hub and spoke” model for patient triage. This will ensure that patients are transferred to appropriate levels of care based on acuity.
- The Health Improvement Division of NMDOH is also responsible for approving expansion of bed capacity and any other measures to address the increase in RSV cases.
- Children with RSV symptoms are advised to stay home from school and daycare to prevent transmission of the disease.
- Wearing masks indoors was also recommended for families during the holiday season. The NMDOH has also strongly encouraged flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- The Department of Health’s medical advisory team will also monitor the oxygen supply to address any supply shortages if necessary.
Click here to read the full public health order.
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