Clackamas County, OR. — A new measles case has been identified in Clackamas County, prompting the Oregon Health Authority to urge residents to ensure they are protected against the highly contagious disease.
Health officials said the affected individual is unvaccinated. The Clackamas County Health Department and OHA have not yet determined whether the person traveled outside Oregon or whether the case is connected to other recent measles cases. Two prior cases, both involving unvaccinated individuals with no known out-of-state travel, were confirmed by OHA and Linn County on January 10.
State and local public health officials are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed in order to ensure they are adequately protected. At this time, officials report there are no known public exposure locations associated with the case. To protect patient privacy, OHA is not releasing the person’s age, gender, or other identifying details. Weekly updates will be provided on the agency’s measles webpage.
“Measles is more than a rash and fever,” said Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “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.”
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain airborne for up to two hours after the person leaves an area. People are contagious from four days before a rash appears until four days after. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads across the body seven to 21 days after exposure.
Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, swelling of the brain. Infants, young children, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks. In developed countries, measles is fatal in approximately one to two out of every 1,000 cases.
Health officials emphasize that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection. People who are up to date on vaccinations face a very low risk of severe illness.
Officials urge anyone who suspects measles in their household not to visit a medical facility without calling ahead, particularly if they have a measles-like rash or were exposed within the previous 21 days and have symptoms such as fever, cough, or red eyes. Calling in advance allows providers to prevent additional exposures.
More information about measles is available through the Oregon Health Authority.
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