Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County public health officials announced on April 14 that a new measles exposure location has been identified at Centennial Middle School in southeast Portland. People who were present at the school during specified dates and times are urged to consult their health care provider about potential risks.
This information is important because measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Officials said individuals who may have been exposed should immediately contact their health care provider to determine immunity status 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 clinics or student health centers by calling 503-988-5558 for an appointment.
The Oregon Health Authority also addressed recent reports of inaccurate information regarding exposure locations. “Visit OHA’s measles website for the current, accurate list of exposure locations,” officials said.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus remains contagious for four days before and after a rash appears and can linger in the air up to two hours after an infectious person leaves. Symptoms typically start seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face.
While most cases resolve without serious problems, complications such as ear infections, lung infections, diarrhea—and rarely brain swelling—can occur. The risk of severe disease is low among those fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine; this regimen provides about 97% protection against measles.
