Oregon has confirmed its first case of measles in 2025, as reported by the Multnomah County public health officials.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is currently investigating the case involving an individual who recently returned to the state after international travel and is not vaccinated against measles.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, the medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division, emphasized the risks, stating, “We’re here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if you’re not vaccinated, you are susceptible.”
The case was confirmed by a commercial laboratory on Monday, June 23. The affected adult began showing symptoms of measles—including sore throat, weakness, fatigue, headache, and fever—on June 16.
They were hospitalized on June 19 after developing a rash and conjunctivitis but were discharged two days later on June 21. Hospital staff reported that no other patients were exposed, and the individual is currently recovering.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the individual contracted the virus during their international travels over the past month. However, authorities do not believe this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks within the United States.
Dr. Cieslak explained the contagious nature of measles: “You could get measles if you’re exposed to someone who is contagious, which can be from four days beforetheir rash starts until four days after.”
He further noted that it can take up to three weeks for symptoms, particularly the characteristic measles rash, to appear after exposure.
Potential exposure locations include:
– Flight UA1832/SN8869 (operated by Brussels Air and United Airlines) on Tuesday, June 17, departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 4:01 p.m. Central Time and arriving at Portland International Airport at 6:29 p.m. Pacific Time.
– Portland International Airport’s arrivals and baggage claim area between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on June 17.
– Safeway located at 401 A Avenue in Lake Oswego from 1:00 to 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.
Measles spreads through the air from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after they leave the area.
People are considered contagious from four days before a rash appears until four days after.
The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Complications from measles can include ear infections, lung infections, and diarrhea, with swelling of the brain being a rarer but serious outcome. In developed countries, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases can be fatal.
Particularly vulnerable populations include unvaccinated pregnant individuals, infants younger than one year, and those with weakened immune systems.
Individuals are considered immune if they were born before 1957, have had the disease, possess a blood test proving immunity, or have received two doses of the vaccine.
If you suspect you have measles, it is advised to contact a healthcare provider or urgent care center by phone to arrange an entry plan, preventing further exposure to others.
image source from：portlandtribune
