Fourth Confirmed Measles Case In Marion County -07/17/24
Salem, OR – Public Health officials have confirmed the fourth case of measles in Marion County since June 17, 2024. The most recent case involves an unvaccinated child who was diagnosed on July 16, 2024. Marion County Public Health officials are in the process of contacting those who may have been exposed. There is no known public exposure and there are currently no known connections between this case and the three other recently confirmed measles cases in Marion County.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is so contagious, that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people in close contact will become infected if they are not protected through vaccination.
Symptoms of measles include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Complications of measles can be severe and include ear infections, pneumonia, and in rare instances, swelling of the brain.
Most people have received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine as children, and have a low risk of getting measles. Those vaccinated against measles as children with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The risk is much higher for unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the disease.
Individuals are considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:
- Born before 1957.
- Have been diagnosed with measles at any point in their life.
- A blood test proves that they are immune.
- They have had two doses of measles vaccine
If you think you have measles, or have been exposed to it, do not visit a medical office without calling ahead. This is to prevent the spreading of the virus to others. Call your provider or urgent care center to provide a plan for your visit.
For more information about measles, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx