Measles cases are increasing in Oregon. Here’s what to know

A total of 13 measles cases have been reported in Oregon since the start of 2026, according to the agency. Twelve of those cases came from individuals who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccine status. One person had one dose of the measles vaccine, according to the health authority. 

Oregon in 2024 experienced a measles outbreak when it reported 31 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally, there have been nearly 1,700 measles cases reported as of Friday, which could soon surpass last year’s total when nearly 2,300 cases were reported. 

“The trajectory we’re seeing, both across the United States and here in Oregon so far, would indicate that we’re probably going to surpass those recent totals in 2024,” state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said in a virtual press conference Friday. 

Most of the Oregon cases have not been linked to other cases, aside from cases where individuals were living in the same household. However, the Oregon Health Authority is detecting measles in wastewater in counties that don’t have any measles cases reported, which means the disease is more widespread than the cases that have been reported, Sidelinger said.

Last week, Oregonians could have been exposed to measles at at least four locations including at a Portland store and hospital, as well as two restaurants in Gresham and West Linn, according to the agency. There isn’t an ongoing risk in those locations, but there was when individuals with measles were there, Sidelinger said. 

What is measles?

Measles is airborne and highly contagious from about four days before symptoms appear. Symptoms typically start with a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, followed by a blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. 

The best protection against measles is the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or the MMR vaccine. One dose provides 95% protection against the disease and a second dose boosts effectiveness to 97% for the remainder of a person’s lifetime. 

Sidelinger said he encourages people to go visit trusted health information sources such as the Oregon Health Authority, the American Academy of Pediatrics or that they talk to a health care provider for questions about the disease.

People showing symptoms should contact a health care provider or urgent care center by phone to create an entry plan to avoid infecting others, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

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