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Measles cases have been rising across the United States—and in Oregon, the outbreak is now the largest since 1991, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Measles were first reported in Oregon in mid-June and cases have increased since then. As of September 6, the OHA reported 31 cases of measles in the state, all in unvaccinated people, and two people have been hospitalized. The majority of cases are in children and teens. By county, 21 cases have been reported in Marion, followed by nine cases in Clackamas and one in Multnomah.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and the only known way to prevent it is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Most people get the vaccine at age 1 and 4.
Public health officials point to the falling rate of children getting the MMR vaccine as the cause of the current outbreak.
The measles virus can pass from an infected person to another person by coughing or sneezing. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours.
Measles can cause the following symptoms:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The good news is the measles vaccine is safe and extremely effective.
Make sure you and your children are up to date on all your vaccines, including the MMR vaccine. CareOregon covers the cost of most vaccines for children and adults. To know which vaccines are given based on age, refer to the recommended vaccine schedules for children and adults.
Here’s a PDF with some additional helpful information about measles.
If you contract the measles, make sure you contact your local public health authority so they can track if anyone else has been exposed.
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