uly 26, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA warns of potential measles exposures in Marion County

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is recommending people who were recently in certain locations in Marion County to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles and talk to a health care provider if those symptoms arise.

People may have been exposed to the virus if they were in any of these locations during these times on Wednesday, July 17:

• Waremart (5450 River Road N., Keizer), between noon and 1:20 p.m.
• Walmart (3002 Stacy Allison Way, Woodburn), between 1:15 and 2:35 p.m.
• Safeway (1550 N. Pacific Hwy, Woodburn), between 2:40 and 3:05 p.m.

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 can also 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. In developed countries in recent years, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.

“Measles is the most contagious disease we know,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division. “If you have a rash, please don’t drop in on an emergency department or your doctor’s office. Call ahead so that the doctor can arrange to meet you where others won’t be exposed.”

Since mid-June, 15 cases of measles have been reported in Oregon, all among unvaccinated persons. Of the cases, 12 are confirmed and three are presumptive. Two people have been hospitalized. Other cases are suspected but not yet confirmed.

The measles outbreak is spread among three counties: Marion, with nine cases; Clackamas with five; and Multnomah with one. Nine of the cases are younger than 10, four are ages 10 to 19, and two are 20 or older.

Visit the homepage of OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section for daily updates of measles outbreak data. 

Determining your risk of measles

Measles vaccination is highly effective, and most Oregonians have been vaccinated, usually as children. Anyone who has received a measles vaccination at any time in their life has a low risk of getting measles. Risk is much higher for anyone who has not received measles vaccination and who may have been exposed to the disease.

If you or your family was present in one of the stores during the identified time window, please consider the following steps:

• Check your immunity status. Individuals are considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:
  • Born before 1957
  • Diagnosed with measles in the past
  • A blood test confirms immunity
  • Received two doses of the measles vaccine
• Monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure (until August 7). Symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Red, watery eyes
• If you are unvaccinated, limit your exposure to others outside your immediate household.
• If you have received one dose of the MMR vaccine, limit your exposure in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities, schools and daycares.
• If you develop measles-like symptoms, contact your health care provider before going in for care.
• If you are not vaccinated but wish to be, contact your health care provider to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Marion County’s Public Health Clinic, located at 3160 Center Street NE in Salem, offers free vaccines to children (ages 0–18) who are uninsured, enrolled in Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, or are American Indian/Alaskan Native.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 503-588-5342.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/diseasesconditions/diseasesaz/pages/measles.aspx

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