Measles are back in Oregon

Oregon Health Authority reports third measles case this year

Amanda Rhoades at KOIN6TV, Jan 2026

“PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A third measles case has been confirmed by health officials in Oregon.

The Oregon Health Authority announced Friday afternoon that a new measles case has been confirmed in Clackamas County. The affected individual is unvaccinated.

“Measles is more than a rash and fever,” said Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “I worry people aren’t aware that measles can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of severe disease from other infections,” he said.

As KOIN 6 News previously reported, two other cases were confirmed earlier this month in Linn County.

OHA and Clackamas County health officials have not yet determined whether the most recent case is linked to the two from Linn County, or if the affected individual has traveled outside of Oregon. The person’s gender, age and other personal information is not being shared.

Measles is transmitted through the air after a person coughs or sneezes, and the particles can linger in the air for up to two hours, according to OHA. Symptoms start with a fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. People are contagious for four days before a rash begins to appear. Sometimes symptoms won’t appear until 7 to 21 days after a person has been exposed to the virus. Complications from the virus can include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. In rare cases, they can also include brain swelling.

“Being vaccinated against measles is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with measles,” said Dr. Chiou. “Everyone should talk with their health care providers to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.” Even in developed countries in recent years, one to two out of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal, according to OHA.

Officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they have a rash and believe they have been exposed…”

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