The Marion County Health Department confirmed a seventh case of measles in Marion County on Tuesday, and a presumptive case which brings the total to eight since June.
It’s the largest outbreak in Marion County since at least 1992, according to Oregon Health Authority data.
Both new cases involve unvaccinated children, health department spokeswoman Melissa Gable said. All eight cases have been unvaccinated people, seven of them children, according to the county. The youngest child who has been diagnosed is three years old.
The health department is posting information about the current measles cases on its website.
The disease typically causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Complications can be severe and include pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain swelling.
Of the latest two cases, one was diagnosed on July 23 and another lives in the same household as a previously confirmed case and has symptoms of measles which have not been confirmed through testing.
There is no known connection between the confirmed cases, and no public exposure has been identified, according to health officials who are still investigating.
“Measles is highly contagious and easily transmitted. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room,” said Marion County Public Health Officer, Dr. Caroline Castillo in a statement. “The best way to protect your family from measles is to get vaccinated.”
Cases five and six were confirmed on Friday, July 19. Four cases were announced on July 17, and two in June.
Gable said the county would not disclose where in the county the cases are unless there was likely public transmission. The health department has not identified any public exposures to the disease.
Most people get vaccinated against measles as children, and those with two doses are considered immune. Unvaccinated people who haven’t had measles and were born after 1957 are at high risk of infection if exposed to the virus.
Nonmedical vaccine exemptions have been climbing in Oregon, worrying health officials. Nearly 9% of kindergarten students across the state were missing at least one required vaccine this year, the second highest rate in the nation, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
The World Health Organization declared measles eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but it has reemerged with travel abroad and more parents choosing not to vaccinate their children.
Those who think they’ve been exposed to measles should call their doctor or urgent care before going in to make a plan to limit spread. Measles poses the highest risk to unvaccinated pregnant people, infants younger than 1 year old, and people with weakened immune systems.
For more information, see the Oregon Health Authority’s website.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
