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To make it easier to find the information you need, we've organized our info on measles into these four sections.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by measles virus. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, and is followed by a blotchy rash that starts on the face or at the hair line and then spreads all over the body. Approximately 30 percent of reported cases have one or more complications including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. Rarely, the virus causes encephalitis (brain infection). Complications are more common in young children and adults. The best protection against measles is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Learn more about the MMR vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
OHA encourages physicians (and others) to maintain a high level of suspicion for measles, especially in people who have not received two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Suspect cases of measles, whether in doctors' offices or hospitals, should be immediately separated from other patients, tested for measles and reported to the local public health authority where they live, without delay, day or night.
Wastewater is being monitored in locations around Oregon by OHA in collaboration with Oregon State University for measles and other infectious diseases.
What is required?
All cases and outbreaks are reportable to local public health authorities (LPHAs) by individuals, health care providers and clinical laboratories. Providers should err on the side of immediate reporting by contacting their LPHA even if unsure whether a case is really measles.
Cases are subject to worksite, childcare and school restrictions while in the communicable stage of the disease (within 21 days of rash onset). When the disease is no longer communicable, restrictions will be removed by the local public health authority.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms
Early prodromal symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose (coryza), and conjunctivitis (eye redness). These non-specific symptoms may be followed 2-3 days later by Koplik spots (1-2 mm white spots on the buccal mucosa). Measles rash appears 3-5 days after prodromal symptoms and typically appears first on the head or neck, spreading down the body to affect the trunk, arms, legs and feet. The measles rash is maculopapular and may coalesce or join together as it spreads. Additional information about the signs and symptoms of measles is available from the CDC.
Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories
Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of measles to local health departments immediately, day or night.
Investigative Guidelines & Case Report Form
Sample Letter to Schools Regarding Measles Outbreak in the Region
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