Health officials urge vaccinations as Oregon measles cases climb
April 3, 2026, 4:42 p.m. PT
The Oregon Health Authority is urging unvaccinated Oregonians to consider getting inoculated against the measles virus, as the nation could see its highest number of cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
State health officials on April 3 said that Oregon has 13 confirmed cases of measles so far this year already, a stark contrast to 2025 when the state didn’t see its first case until June.
The United States has experienced unusually high measles case counts in recent years, reaching a record high in 2025.
Nearly 1,700 measles cases have been reported nationwide so far in 2026, compared to the 2,286 reported in 2025, raising concerns that this year could see another record-breaking number of measles cases.
The highest number of measles cases in Oregon in recent memory was in 2024, when 31 cases were reported throughout the state.
“When we look at the national trend, and when we look at the trend here in Oregon, with just three months behind us and having 13 cases, then we think 2026 will likely surpass 2024,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger.
Officials said that although some Oregon counties have not reported any confirmed measles cases, the virus has been detected in wastewater in those areas, suggesting the disease is more widespread than confirmed cases indicate.
“The vast majority of Oregonians who are vaccinated, they’re not at risk for getting measles,” Sidelinger said. “Our measles vaccine is highly effective. After one dose we have approximately 95% protection, that rises to 97% to 98% after two doses.”
In the past week, the agency said that people may have been exposed to measles in Portland, Gresham and West Linn. There is no ongoing risk at the time, according to Sidelinger.
Officials said that all but one of Oregon’s confirmed measles cases were among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
State officials declared an outbreak of the disease in February and announced they would begin monitoring wastewater to detect the disease.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by the measles virus. It typically begins with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, followed by a blotchy rash that starts on the face or at the hairline and then spreads across the body.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Rash (Usually begins on the face before spreading down the body)
Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infected has left the area.
A person with the measles can be contagious for up to four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward, according to OHA.
Complications of measles can include ear or lung infection and diarrhea. Rarer and more serious complications can include swelling of the brain. There have been approximately one to two fatal cases of measles out of every 1,000 cases in developed countries in recent years, according to OHA.
Symptoms can begin anywhere from seven to 21 days after a person is exposed.
Who is most at risk in Oregon of contracting measles?
According to OHA, unvaccinated Oregonians are the most at risk for contracting measles.
Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through the air. Symptoms may not occur for several days, increasing the chance of exposure.
People who are at the highest risk include:
- Unvaccinated pregnant people.
- Infants younger than one year old.
- People with weakened immune systems.
Some people are considered immune to measles if they:
- Were born before 1957.
- Have been diagnosed with measles at any point in their life.
- Have had a blood test that proves they are immune.
- Have had two doses of measles vaccine.
“The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles,” OHA said. “The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.”
Measles can also be dangerous to children younger than 5 years old and unvaccinated adults older than 20 years.
What should you do if you think you have measles?
According to Public health officials, anyone who believes they have measles or are experiencing symptoms of measles such as a measles-like rash or those who may have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, should not arrive unannounced at a medical office.
Instead, individuals who plan to get medical care should first call their health care provider or urgent care center first to come with an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
For more information about measles symptoms, go to www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at GSandoval@statesmanjournal.com or on X at@GinnieSandoval.