Portland health care sites become latest measles exposure locations

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Washington and Multnomah county health officials are warning the public about two locations where people may have been exposed to measles.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following locations at these dates and times:

• Randall’s Children Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, 2801 N Gantenbein Ave., Portland:
  • Between 8:10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23
  • Between 10:51 p.m. and 12:55 a.m., Friday, July 24
  • Between 11:36 a.m. and 2:11 p.m., Saturday, July 25
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, East Pavillion Medical Office Building lobby, elevators and seventh floor, 9155 SW Barnes Road, Portland, between 10:20 a.m. and 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, July 28

People who were at these locations during these dates and times should immediately contact their health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

Facts about measles 

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household 

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND 

have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes). 

Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

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