PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Clackamas County health officials are warning the public about a location where people may have been exposed to measles.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time:

• Kaiser Permanente Mt. Scott Medical Office, 9800 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas, between 1:35 p.m. and 3:44 p.m., Thursday, August 6

People who were at this location during this date and time should check their vaccination records and monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. People born after 1957 who have not had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles should receive an MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Kaiser Permanente will be reaching out to individuals directly who are identified as eligible and needing to receive post-exposure prophylaxis with immune globulin to prevent measles.

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment. Clackamas County residents can schedule an appointment with a Clackamas County Health Center.

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 infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three out 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 measles. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are 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: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND 

 have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes).

Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a 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 on OHA’s website.

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