A new measles case has been identified in Clackamas County, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to make sure they are protected against measles.

The affected individual is unvaccinated. OHA and Clackamas County health officials have not yet determined whether the person has traveled outside of Oregon, or if the case is linked to other known cases including the two previously reported cases — both unvaccinated and with no known travel outside Oregon — previously confirmed by OHA and Linn County on Jan. 10.

State and local officials are working to identify others who may have been exposed to help ensure they are adequately protected against measles. There are currently no known public exposure locations associated with the case. OHA is not identifying the person’s gender, age, or other personal details. The agency will provide further updates on our measles webpage on a weekly basis.

“Measles is more than a rash and fever,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “I worry people aren’t aware that measles can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of severe disease from other infections. Being vaccinated against measles is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with measles. Everyone should talk with their health care providers to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.”

Facts about measles

Measles spreads easily through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears until 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 symptoms typically begin 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, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to two out of every 1,000 measles cases have 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:

Have a measles-like rash, or
Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, and have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Individuals planning to seek medical care should call before they arrive. This allows providers to create a plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

Source: Oregon Health Authority

Stacey Lynn