PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority and Clackamas County public health officials have identified a new measles exposure location at a health care facility in Oregon City, urging anyone who may have been exposed to contact a medical provider.
The potential exposure occurred at Legacy GoHealth on the following dates and times:
- Friday, April 10, from 9:09 a.m. to 12:22 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11, from 1:12 p.m. to 3:48 p.m.
Health officials advise anyone who was at the location during those windows to immediately contact their health care provider and report the possible exposure. Providers can assess immunity based on vaccination history, age, or prior infection.
Officials also cautioned that some media outlets have recently circulated inaccurate information about measles exposure sites. They recommend checking the official OHA measles webpage for the most up-to-date and verified list of locations.
Highly Contagious Virus
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Individuals are contagious from four days before a rash appears until four days after. The virus can remain airborne 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 cases resolve, complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea. In rare cases, measles can cause brain swelling, which can be life-threatening.
Higher Risk Groups
Health officials warn that measles can be especially dangerous for children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. In developed countries, one to three out of every 1,000 measles cases can be fatal.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection, with two doses providing about 97% effectiveness against the virus.
What To Do If You Have Symptoms
People who develop symptoms consistent with measles or believe they were exposed should not visit a clinic or hospital without calling ahead. This helps prevent further spread in waiting areas.
Public health officials recommend calling a health care provider or urgent care facility in advance to arrange a safe evaluation plan.
More information about measles, including current exposure locations, is available through the Oregon Health Authority website.
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