The Oregon Health Authority confirmed a third measles case in Clackamas County this year. The individual, who is unvaccinated, has no known connection to previous cases in Linn County or travel outside Oregon. Dr. Howard Chiou, OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, said, "Measles is more than a rash and fever," according to KOIN.
Health officials are on alert as the Oregon Health Authority investigates potential additional measles exposures, though no public exposure locations have been announced. The Oregon Health Authority is promoting vaccinations, noting that the MMR vaccine is highly effective. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash, and they can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, which can make early detection challenging, as reported by KATU.
The Oregon Health Authority reports that measles can cause complications such as ear and lung infections, diarrhea, and brain swelling, and is more serious for infants, children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems, with developed countries seeing one to two deaths per 1,000 cases, as detailed by KTVZ. OHA advises people to check their vaccination status and call ahead before visiting medical facilities if they may have been exposed or show symptoms, because the virus can remain in the air for hours. More information is available on OHA’s measles webpage.
