Marion County confirms eighth case of measles since June

Marion County public health officials are investigating after identifying an eighth case of measles -- including one confirmed and one presumptive case of the disease, the county announced Wednesday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Marion County public health officials are investigating after identifying an eighth case of measles -- including one confirmed and one presumptive case of the disease, the county announced Wednesday.

The confirmed case involves an unvaccinated child who was diagnosed on July 23, officials said, noting the presumptive case is in the same household as a previously confirmed case.

These cases come after Marion County confirmed its first case a little over a month ago, with all cases involving people who are unvaccinated and ranging from ages three to 43, Marion County said.

According to the county, there is no known connection between the confirmed cases, and no public exposure has been identified.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and cases are on the rise in the United States and around the globe, officials said.

“Measles is highly contagious and easily transmitted. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room,” said Marion County Public Health Officer, Dr. Caroline Castillo. “The best way to protect your family from measles is to get vaccinated.”

As of July 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported just under 170 cases of measles in the U.S. Of those cases, 84% involved people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. 2024's stats mark a jump in cases compared to 2023, which saw a total of 58 cases.

Marion County said most people receive the MMR – or measles, mumps, and rubella – vaccine during childhood, which reduces the risk of catching the disease. According to the county, people who are unvaccinated are at a “much higher” risk if exposed to the virus.

Measles is spread through the air by coughs or sneezes and health officials said that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.

Measles symptoms typically appear one week to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The virus can also cause several complications including ear infections, lung infections, severe diarrhea, and although rare, swelling of the brain.

According to the CDC, about one in five people in the U.S. with measles require hospitalization.

Anyone who thinks someone in their household has measles should stay home and avoid public places and avoid inviting visitors into their home if someone has a fever or rash, Marion County health officials warned, noting anyone who thinks they have measles should call ahead before visiting a medical office to prevent further spread of the disease.

Officials said some people are immune to the disease if they were born before 1957, previously diagnosed with measles, receive a blood test confirming immunity, or received two doses of the measles vaccine.