Oregon Measles Outbreak Continues

Twenty-Three Cases Reported Since June

KOIN News Oregon has recorded at least 23 total cases of measles in three counties since June. Oregon's last measles outbreak was in 2019 with 28 cases mainly in Multnomah and Clackamas counties. Marion County health officials confirmed a new case of measles Wednesday bringing the total to 23, and only one person in the outbreak has been vaccinated and two people have been hospitalized.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can be a serious illness, and it can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Despite a widely available vaccine, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says 15 unvaccinated people have been infected in the outbreak. OHA is urging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities from measles.