Multnomah County, Ore. (March. 26, 2026) — Multnomah County public health officials have confirmed one case of measles linked to the March 7 exposure at the Gresham WinCo. The individual had previously received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
The individual and their family are cooperating with public health officials who are working to protect the health of both the individual and the community.
People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time:
- WinCo Foods, 2511 S.E. First St., Gresham, between 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7.
Public health believes there is little risk to the general public at this time. Most Oregonians have been vaccinated against measles, and their risk is low.
People should be monitoring themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Since the exposure occurred on March 7, 2026, the last day of monitoring will be March 28, 2026. At this stage, it is unlikely for anyone exposed to develop illness.
“Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccination,’’ says Dr. Richard Bruno, Multnomah County Health Officer and member of the Tri-County Health Officer team. “Because measles is so contagious, high levels of immunity in the community are needed to prevent its spread.”
Facts about measles
Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.
Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.
Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal. The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are fully up to date on their vaccines is very low.
What to do if you suspect measles in your household
Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they:
- Have a measles-like rash, or
- Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).
Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
Learn more about measles at www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.
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