Measles Exposure Warning in Portland Metro Area
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a warning about potential measles exposure at two new locations in the Portland metro area.
The sites identified are Lark Café in West Linn and Pho.Com in Gresham.
Officials are advising anyone who was present at these locations during certain times to reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
At Lark Café, located at 1980 Willamette Falls Drive No. 120, exposure may have occurred between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Another exposure was reported at Pho.Com, situated at 316 N. Main Ave., between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
The OHA, in conjunction with Clackamas and Multnomah County public health officials, is urging those who might have been exposed to check their vaccination status and discuss their risk with a healthcare provider.
Providers can evaluate a person’s immunity to measles through vaccination records, age, or lab tests indicating past infections.
Health officials noted that early consultation is vital in preventing further transmission of this highly contagious virus.
For those without a primary care provider, Multnomah County offers access to its health system, which includes seven primary care clinics and nine student health centers available for anyone aged 5 to 18.
To arrange a new patient appointment, individuals can call 503-988-5558.
Understanding Measles
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads via the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, speaks, or even breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours, posing a risk to anyone unprotected nearby. Complications from the virus can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and, in severe cases, death.
Measles cases have been climbing nationally since early 2025, with nearly 2,300 cases reported last year, primarily among unvaccinated children.
Symptoms generally show up seven to 21 days after exposure and can manifest as a cough, runny nose, eye inflammation, and a high fever. A rash typically develops afterward, starting at the head or neck and spreading downwards. People remain contagious from four days preceding the rash until four days after it appears.
The OHA encourages healthcare providers to report any suspected measles cases promptly and consider administering post-exposure treatment to those exposed. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure, while immunoglobulin may be administered within six days.
For most individuals aged six months and older who qualify for vaccination, getting the MMR vaccine within that 72-hour window is strongly recommended.
The OHA stresses that unvaccinated individuals are at risk, prompting the agency to advise residents to verify their vaccination status and consult a healthcare provider if they have any questions.
