Health officials recommend those who were at location during specified time, date monitor for symptoms of measles, consider vaccination if not immune 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Clackamas County health officials are warning the public about a location where people may have been exposed to measles.  

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: 

• Canby Rodeo, 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby, between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. 

People who were at this location during this date and time should check their vaccination records and monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. People born after 1957 who have not had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles should receive an MMR vaccine as soon as possible.  

Early administration of MMR should be considered for infants as it offers protection during this time that measles is circulating in Oregon. The first dose of MMR may be given as early as 6–12 months. Children who receive their first dose of MMR prior to 12 months of age should receive two additional doses separated by at least 28 days after 12 months of age. As the number of measles cases rises, people may reconsider their vaccination decisions and discuss them with their medical providers to make sure that they and their family members are adequately protected. 

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 to three people out of every 1,000 measles cases has died.  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, runny nose, and 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 on OHA’s website.