Health officials urge vaccination as measles cases rise in Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority is urging Oregonians who have not yet been vaccinated to consider getting vaccinated. measles virusThis is because the number of infected people in Japan could be the highest since the disease was declared eradicated in 2000.

State health officials announced April 3 that there have already been 13 confirmed measles cases in Oregon so far this year, a stark contrast from 2025, when the state had no confirmed cases. First case until June.

The number of measles cases in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years, reaching an all-time high by 2025.

Nearly 1,700 measles cases have been reported across the country so far in 2026, compared to 2,286 reported in 2025, raising concerns that another record number of measles cases will occur this year.

In recent memory, Oregon’s highest number of measles cases was in 2024, with 31 cases reported statewide.

“If you look at the national trends and the trends here in Oregon, we think 2026 is likely to exceed 2024 because we’re only three months behind and we have 13 cases,” state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Seidlinger said.

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Officials said some counties in Oregon have not reported any confirmed cases of measles, but the virus is being transmitted. detected in wastewater These regions suggest the disease is more widespread than confirmed cases indicate.

“The vast majority of vaccinated Oregonians are not at risk of contracting measles,” Seidlinger said. “Our measles vaccine is highly effective. After one dose, protection is around 95%, rising to 97% to 98% after two doses.”

The agency said people may have been exposed to measles in Portland, Gresham and West Linn over the past week. Seidlinger said there is currently no ongoing risk.

Officials said all but one of the confirmed measles cases in Oregon were in people who had not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.

national civil servant declared a disease outbreak It announced in February that it would begin monitoring wastewater to detect the disease.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by the measles virus. It usually begins with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, followed by a patchy rash that starts on the face and hairline and spreads to the rest of the body.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles include:

• heat
• cough
• snot
• red eyes
• Rash (usually starts on the face and then spreads to the body)

Measles is spread through the air after someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

According to OHA, a person infected with measles can be contagious for up to four days before the rash appears and for up to four days after the rash appears.

Complications of measles can include ear and lung infections and diarrhea. Although rare, more serious complications may include swelling of the brain. In recent years, measles has caused about 1 to 2 deaths per 1,000 cases in developed countries, according to OHA.

Symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection.

Who is most at risk of contracting measles in Oregon?

OHA says unvaccinated Oregonians are at the highest risk of contracting measles.

Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through the air. Symptoms may not appear for several days, increasing the chance of infection.

Those at highest risk are:

• Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated.
• Infants under 1 year old.
• People with weakened immunity.

Some people may be considered immune to measles if they:

• Born before 1957.
• Have been diagnosed with measles at some point in your life.
• I have a blood test to prove I am immune.
• I have received two doses of measles vaccine.

“Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, so the measles vaccine is highly protective,” OHA said. “The risk of severe illness from measles for people who have received the latest vaccinations is very low.”

Measles is also dangerous for children under 5 years of age and unvaccinated adults over 20 years of age.

What should I do if I think I have contracted measles?

According to public health officials, people who think they have measles, have symptoms of measles, such as a measles-like rash, or who may have been exposed to measles in the past 21 days should not seek medical attention without notice.

Instead, people planning to receive medical care should first call their health care provider or urgent care center and bring their admission plan to avoid exposure to others in the waiting room.

If you would like to know more about the symptoms of measles, please click here. www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

Ginny Sandoval is the Statesman Journal’s Oregon Connect reporter. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and the outdoors. You can contact her at: [email protected] or with X @GinnieSandoval.

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