Unvaccinated child in Multnomah County infected with measles during trip abroad

An unvaccinated child in Multnomah County has contracted measles after spending time abroad, and officials are optimistic that community spread will not occur from this case.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – At least one measles case in an unvaccinated child has been reported in Multnomah County, officials announced Tuesday morning.

Public health officials say “the child and their family had recently spent time abroad in a country where measles is more common” and has since been taken to “receive care in a healthcare setting while infectious.” 

“Additional cases among unvaccinated individuals within the child’s household are expected,” According to Multnomah County. “However, officials are optimistic that community spread will not occur from this case.”

Earlier this month, two measles cases among unvaccinated children were reported in Marion County. The Oregon Health Authority also reported two people in Clackamas County and one person in Marion County had measles in June 2024.

Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000, but there have been occasional cases—including an outbreak of 28 reported cases in 2019, according to OHA.

Measles is spread through the air through coughs or sneezes and health officials said that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. The virus starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes and will usually be followed by a rash beginning on the face and spreading.

People who are vaccinated have a low risk of getting measles, and the virus poses the most risk to unvaccinated pregnant people, infants under a year old and people with weakened immune systems.