Marion County Public Health officials have identified two additional confirmed cases of measles in unvaccinated children in Marion County since June 17, 2024. Of the two new cases, one child was diagnosed with measles on 7/11/24 and the second child was diagnosed 7/12/24. There are currently no known public exposures.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected individual 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.
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.
