Oregon measles outbreak records at least 23 cases since June
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon has recorded at least 23 total cases of measles in three counties since June 2024, according to state health officials.
So far, the Oregon Health Authority has counted 14 measles cases in Marion County, eight cases in Clackamas County and one case in Multnomah County. In every case, the individual had been unvaccinated.
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Data show most of the cases have impacted those less than 20 years of age – nine of which were less than 10 years old. Only five cases have been recorded in adults 20 and up.
The first known case took place in Clackamas County on June 11 when an unvaccinated adult began developing a rash, according to the OHA. A few days later, an unvaccinated child in the same household also developed symptoms.
Since then, at least two people have been hospitalized due to infection.
Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but there have been occasional cases, including an outbreak of 28 reported cases in 2019.
“We had 28 cases associated with a similar outbreak in Clark County, Wash. across the river – Vancouver area – back in 2019. But before that, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see this many cases in a year,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations OHA.
As summer break for schools comes to an end, there is a concern that the highly contagious disease will spread. Public health officials in Clackamas say anyone who is exposed and unvaccinated in a school setting must be excluded from school by law for 21 days.
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Measles is spread through the air through coughs or sneezes and health officials said that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. The virus starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes and will usually be followed by a rash beginning on the face and spreading.
OHA officials urge anyone planning to seek medical care who suspects they may have measles to contact their healthcare provider by phone ahead of time to create an entry plan to avoid exposure.
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