OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore. – Two new measles exposure locations have been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Clackamas and Multnomah County public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed. People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: Lark Café, 1980 Willamette Falls Drive #120, West Linn, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, March 27. Pho.Com, 316 N. Main Ave., Gresham, between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. People who were at these locations during these dates and time periods should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection. Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment. Facts about measles: Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area. Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal. The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low. What to do if you suspect measles in your household: Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: Have a measles-like rash, or Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes). Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms. Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

Measles exposure location confirmed at Safeway in Portland

OHA release - PORTLAND, Ore. – A new measles exposure location has been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed. People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at these dates and times: Safeway, 2800 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland: Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26. Between 2 p.m. and midnight Friday, March 27. Between 2:20 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Between 2 p.m. and midnight Sunday, March 29. People who were at this location during these dates and time periods should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection. Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

Wastewater testing helps Oregon communities stay ahead of measles

OHA release - Communities across Oregon are working together to keep measles from spreading, and one of the most helpful tools we have is wastewater testing. Wastewater testing looks for tiny pieces of viruses or other infectious diseases in the sewage water that flows from communities. This approach gives everyone an early clue when measles shows up in a community – sometimes before anyone develops symptoms. Early detection means we can respond faster and keep more people safe. Learn more and see a video about Oregon Health Authority (OHA)’s wastewater testing public dashboard from Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA.