First Measles Case of 2023 Reported in Oregon

Oregon health officials have reported the state’s first measles case of the year, involving an unvaccinated adult from Multnomah County who recently returned from traveling abroad.

The Oregon Health Authority noted that the individual started showing symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue on June 16. A couple of days later, they were hospitalized in the Portland area, exhibiting a rash and red, irritated eyes—typical symptoms of measles.

Fortunately, the person has since been discharged from the hospital and is on the mend. Authorities have stated that the hospitalization did not pose a risk of viral exposure to others.

On June 23, a commercial laboratory confirmed the diagnosis. Health officials believe the infection occurred during the individual’s travel and emphasize that it’s unrelated to current measles outbreaks in other parts of the U.S.

The individual arrived in Portland on June 17, having flown on United Airlines flight UA1832, which was operated by Brussels Airlines, from Chicago. Officials are advising that anyone in the economy section of that flight or those at Portland International Airport between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. that evening might have been at risk of exposure.

Additionally, it’s noted that others could have been exposed at a Safeway store in Lake Oswego on June 22 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Dr. Paul R. Cieslak, the state’s medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, stated, “We’re here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if you’re not vaccinated, you are susceptible.”

He further explained that measles can spread even before the person is aware they are infected. Contagion can occur from four days prior to the rash’s appearance until four days after, which complicates control efforts.

“After exposure, it can take up to three weeks before the characteristic measles rash shows up,” Cieslak added. “Someone could unknowingly transmit the virus for several days, making it vital for all adults and children in a household to be up-to-date on vaccinations.”

He advised anyone developing measles-like symptoms or who might have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider before visiting clinics or hospitals to prevent spreading the virus in waiting areas.

Measles is highly contagious, easily spreading through the air from coughing or sneezing, and the virus can persist in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. It generally begins with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, eventually progressing to a rash.

While most people in Oregon are vaccinated, health officials caution that the virus poses significant risks to those unvaccinated, particularly pregnant individuals, infants under one year, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, brain swelling or even death.

Cieslak highlighted that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, urging Oregonians to check their vaccination status before international travel.

Nationally, more than 1,200 cases of measles have been confirmed, with active outbreaks reported in several states, and tragically, there have been fatalities, including two elementary school-aged children and one adult this year.