Health officials in New Mexico are investigating the cause of death of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for measles, the state health department said Thursday.

The study looks at newly discovered fossilized grooves and footprints discovered in fine-grained sediment at White Sands National Park in New Mexico.

The heightened public exposure of those competing for the prestigious posts has sparked fears that the candidates will be easy targets.

An adult who was infected with measles has died in New Mexico, state health officials announced Thursday, though the virus has not been confirmed as the cause.

Hispanic and Native American wine producers cultivate vineyards at high altitude and on desert plains in this southwestern state, making for some unique cellar-door visits.

The patient tested positive for the infection, but state health officials could not confirm that it was the cause of death.