PORTLAND, Ore. – Health officials have confirmed a new measles exposure site in the Portland area and are urging anyone who may have been affected to seek medical guidance.
The Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County Public Health announced that individuals may have been exposed to measles at Providence Portland Medical Center.
According to officials, the exposure occurred in the hospital’s emergency department waiting room between 7:57 p.m. and 10:08 p.m. on Monday, March 30.
Anyone who was present at that location during the specified time is advised to immediately contact a health care provider. Medical professionals can assess immunity based on vaccination records, age, or prior infection.
For those without a primary care provider, county officials say families can establish care through Multnomah County’s network of primary care clinics and student health centers by calling 503-988-5558 to schedule an appointment.
Highly Contagious Virus
Health experts emphasize that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Individuals can transmit the virus four days before and up to four days after a rash appears. Additionally, virus particles may remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body.
While many recover, complications can occur, including ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea. In rare cases, swelling of the brain can develop. Health officials note that young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. In developed countries, about one to three out of every 1,000 measles cases can be fatal.
Vaccination Offers Strong Protection
Officials stress that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against the disease. Two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing infection, and vaccinated individuals face a very low risk of severe illness.
What to Do if You Suspect Measles
Public health officials caution anyone with symptoms not to visit a clinic or hospital without calling ahead, especially if they:
- Have a measles-like rash, or
- Have been exposed within the past 21 days and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or red eyes
Calling ahead allows medical providers to make arrangements that reduce the risk of exposing others in waiting rooms.
More information about measles, including symptoms and prevention, is available through the Oregon Health Authority.
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