OHA, OHSU physicians to discuss recent cases, tracking

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) medical experts will hold a media briefing today to give an update on the state’s response to recent measles cases in Oregon and across the country. They also will discuss new measles tracking methods.

The media briefing is 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 19). Reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for members of the public is available via YouTube at this link.

Speakers include: 

• Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division
• Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatrics and interim division head for pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. 

A total of five measles cases have been reported in Oregon so far in 2026. Four of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals; the vaccination status of the fifth case is unknown.

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by the measles virus. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, and is followed by a blotchy rash that begins on the face or at the hair line and then spreads all over the body.

For more information, visit OHA’s measles page.