Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County public health officials announced on April 16 that a new measles exposure location has been identified in Gresham. People who were at the specified location during the exposure period are urged to contact a health care provider about their risk.
The announcement is important because measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, adults over 20, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Officials said individuals who may have been exposed should immediately consult a health care provider. The provider will determine immunity based on vaccination records, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection. Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County’s seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers by calling 503-988-5558 for an appointment.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and remains contagious for four days before and after the appearance of a rash. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person has left. Symptoms typically begin seven to twenty-one days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face. Complications range from ear infections and diarrhea to more severe issues like swelling of the brain.
Public health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms not to arrive unannounced at medical offices if they have had possible exposure within the previous 21 days or develop symptoms such as fever or rash. Instead, they should call ahead to plan their visit and minimize risk to others in waiting areas.
More information about measles is available from Oregon Health Authority’s website.
