Estimates say that up to 3 in 1,000 children who get measles will die of respiratory and neurologic complications.
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Health officials in Oregon are on high alert following the state’s first confirmed measles cases of 2026 in Linn County.
According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), two individuals have developed symptoms of the highly contagious virus.
Officials are urging anyone who visited Lebanon Community Hospital’s Emergency Department from 8:53 p.m. on January 6 to 7 a.m. on January 7, or Albany General Hospital’s Emergency Department from 4:59 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on January 7, to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., from OHA emphasized the importance of vaccination, saying, “Measles is here in Oregon and rates are increasing nationally, which is why we encourage everyone to make sure they’re protected by talking with their providers about being up to date on vaccinations,” said Chiou.
Measles spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face before spreading.
Public health officials stress the need for those with symptoms to call ahead before visiting medical facilities to prevent further exposure.
The measles vaccine remains a highly effective defense, with two doses providing 97% protection.
Grace Ritz is a multimedia journalist at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Grace by emailing gritz@kdrv.com.