Measles cases are increasing in Oregon and southwest Washington. Most cases are in people who are not vaccinated.

Measles spreads very easily and can lead to can lead to serious illness and hospital stays. The good news is there is a simple way to protect yourself and your family: the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. It is safe, effective and the best way to prevent measles.

Getting vaccinated

To find out if you are already vaccinated for measles or if you need a vaccine or booster, talk to your primary care provider (PCP), doctor or health clinic. You can also contact Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to get your  vaccine (also called “immunization”) records.

• Adults can receive vaccinations from their PCP or most pharmacies.
• Children should visit their PCP or school-based health centers (SBHCs). Some pharmacies also vaccinate children. Call ahead to make sure.

Visit OHA’s website to find locations and schedule a vaccine.

Connect with a PCP

If you or your child do not have a PCP, now is a good time to get one. A PCP helps you get care quickly when you need it.

OHA recommends vaccines based on guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics and West Coast Health Alliance. Talk with your provider about which vaccines are best for your family. They will suggest the best vaccines based on your age and health.

Signs of measles and potential exposure

People can spread measles before they know they have it. It spreads through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes. You can get measles by being in the same room where a person with measles has been, for up to 2 hours — even after they leave.

If you have measles, up to 90% of nearby people who are not immune may get sick.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash

What to do if you think you were exposed

1. Call your PCP, doctor or clinic right away if you think you were exposed or have symptoms.

   If you need your PCP’s information, you can:

   • Contact Customer Service
   • Log in to the Member portal or MyCareOregon App

     You can also contact Community Health Centers in Oregon for help. 

2. Call the Multnomah County Health Department Communicable Disease team at 503-988-3406 for advice and next steps. 

More Information 

• Measles - What Parents Need to Know (American Academy of Pediatrics) 
• Frequently Asked Questions About Measles (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases) 
• Measles Cases in Oregon (Oregon Health Authority)