Measles
Update - October 29th, 2019
Oregon Health Authority and public health officials have reported three cases of measles in Oregon in October 2019, each linked to an exposure on an international flight that landed at the Portland Airport on October 12th. There are currently no known exposure sites or measles cases in Marion County. For more information about the current measles outbreak in Oregon, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website by
clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measles is a serious virus that is very dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After 3-5 days, a rash usually begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. An individual carrying the virus is considered contagious from four days prior to showing symptoms to four days after the rash appears.
The measles virus is rare in Oregon because most people have received the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. Those who do get sick are usually unvaccinated, or too young (younger than 12 months old) to receive the shot.
A person is considered immune to measles if:
- They were born before 1957.
- They are certain they have had the measles.
- They are up to date on measles vaccines (one dose for children 12 months through 3 years old, and two doses for anyone 4 years and older).
To find out if you or your child is up to date on the MMR vaccine, call your healthcare provider.
Measles is spread when an infected individual exhales, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours.
Call your doctor or healthcare clinic right away if you see any of the symptoms of measles. It is very important that you call first to avoid exposing more people to the virus. Measles is very contagious and could be passed to others in the waiting room. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions for what to do so you don't spread measles.
The best way to protect your family from measles is to get vaccinated. Doctors recommend that all children get the MMR shot. The MMR shot is safe and effective at preventing measles. It also protects against mumps and rubella.
Getting the vaccine is safer than getting measles, and most children do not have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that do occur are usually mild and don't last long, such as a fever, mild rash, and soreness.
No studies have found a link between autism and the MMR vaccine. This has been carefully studied by many doctors and scientists from around the world.
