Three cases of measles have been identified in Oregon.
Two cases of measles have been identified in a Clackamas County household. They were believed to have been exposed in Marion County between May 19 and June 4, 2024.
The first person, an unvaccinated adult, was confirmed to have measles on June 14. They developed a rash June 11. It is not known where they may have been exposed to measles. This suggests there may be other unrecognized cases in Oregon. The second household member, an unvaccinated child, developed symptoms a few days later.
A third case of measles in Marion County has been confirmed in a child. This child also developed a rash on June 11, and may have been exposed in the same time frame.
People might have been exposed if they were in these OHSU facilities during any of these times:
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OHSU Richmond Clinic’s Urgent Care area – Wednesday, June 12, 4:40–5:40 p.m.
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OHSU Emergency Department (adult area): Wednesday, June 12 6:00 p.m. – Friday, June 14, 7:15 p.m.
Public Health in the different counties is working with the cases to identify and monitor their close contacts. Other people may have been exposed during the evaluation and care of the measles cases. However, the people who were sick and the healthcare facilities where they were treated took proper precautions, so there is likely a low risk of others being exposed in those locations.
What is Measles?
Measles is a virus that passes very easily from an infected person to another person through coughing or sneezing. Measles is more than just a rash and can make some people very sick.
Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The vaccine works well and most people receive it at age 1 and age 4. One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing disease. Two doses are about 97% effective. People who have been vaccinated against measles are protected for life once they have received two doses and do not need a booster. Pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems should discuss options with their doctor.
While there are no known cases of measles and no known exposures in Multnomah County at this time, we are watching the situation and are staying in touch with our colleagues in the region and with state experts.
Although measles is uncommon, we know that many have fallen behind on vaccines during the pandemic. If your child is behind, now is the time to catch up.
What You Can Do
The best protection against measles is vaccination:
- Check your vaccination status. To find out if you are already vaccinated for measles, talk to your doctor or health clinic, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), or see these tips from the CDC.
- Get vaccinated! If you need help finding a vaccine call 503-988-4724.
- Think you were exposed? Call the Communicable Disease team at 503-988-3406 for advice and next steps.
- If you are sick and think it could be measles, call your doctor or health clinic (don’t just show up at the clinic!)
About Measles
Measles often starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the measles rash will appear. It usually starts with flat, red spots at the hairline and spreads down the body. Though the rash looks brown or red on white skin, it may be harder to see on brown and black skin. Sometimes, the fever will get very high when the rash appears.
According to the CDC, the measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person leaves the area. People can spread measles for up to four days before the rash appears, and continue to spread it for four days after getting the rash. Since the rash is the best way of recognizing measles, this means people can spread measles before they know they have it. It can take 1 to 3 weeks after someone is exposed to measles before they develop symptoms. Animals do not get or spread measles.
Measles can be very dangerous for babies, young children, pregnant people and immunocompromised people. Vaccination is your best protection against measles.
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