Three people have died and 19 others were rushed to hospital after coming into contact with an unknown substance.
Authorities were called to a home in Mountainair, New Mexico, on Wednesday to a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance.
According to New Mexico State Police, they arrived to find four people unresponsive inside the home, with three of them having since died.
Officials said that during their response 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and transported to hospital.
A statement said they are 'currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored', with two of them listed as being in a serious condition.
New Mexico State Police added that they believe the substance to be transmitted only through contact and do not believe it to be airborne.
A statement added: 'There is currently no threat to the public. A secure perimeter has been established, and the affected area remains limited to the residence.
'The New Mexico State Police are leading this ongoing and active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Authorities were called to a home in Mountainair, New Mexico , on Wednesday to a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance
According to New Mexico State Police, they arrived to find four people unresponsive inside the home, with three of them having since died
Officials said that during their response 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and transported to hospital
'We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts.'
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post that all indications were pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor.
He added that there was no threat to the public and that a perimeter had been set up around the home.
Residents, however, took to social media to voice their frustrations about drug use in the community and elsewhere.
The mayor said the town's law enforcement officers and first responders work every day to protect the community and respond to difficult situations.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post that all indications were pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor
New Mexico State Police added that they believe the substance to be transmitted only through contact and do not believe it to be airborne
He added: 'The reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities all across our state and nation.
'There is no simple or immediate solution. Lasting change requires family support, accountability, education, and most importantly, individuals who are willing to accept help.'
In an update, he added that Mountainair's EMS Chief Josh Lewis was one of those who was hospitalized and that some of the responders had been released.
'We are incredibly thankful that the other responders have been released. While they are not yet fully recovered, they are doing much better', Nieto added.