Oregon sees most measles cases in generation

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The 31 cases of measles recorded this year in Oregon are the most cases in a generation, according to state health officials.

There have not been this many confirmed cases in the state since 1991, Oregon Health Authority officials said. The first cases were confirmed in June. However, there have not been any new confirmed cases since August 11.

Of the 31 cases, one was in Multnomah County, nine in Clackamas County and 21 in Marion County. All of those infected were unvaccinated and two were hospitalized. The majority were kids under the age of 10, while another 11 were between the ages of 11-19. Seven adults older than 20 were also infected.

It takes 42 days total -- two successive incubation periods without a newly confirmed case -- before OHA will declare the outbreak over, they said in a statement to KOIN 6 News.

The symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyers. Anyone who has been exposed to measles should watch for symptoms for 21 days (three weeks) after they were exposed, officials said.

But with kids now back in school and the respiratory virus season arriving soon, health officials are stressing the importance of vaccines.

"Measles is probably the most contagious disease in the world," said Dr. Dawn Nolt, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

She said the resurgence is likely caused by dropping rates of measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations.

Low immunization rates causes a drop in herd immunity, and I think the lower immunization rates are a consequence of the COVID pandemic in which people really didn't seek out medical care because they were afraid of becoming ill," Nolt told KOIN 6 News.

Most Oregonians have been vaccinated and most received the vaccination as children. Anyone vaccinated has a low risk of getting measles, and some people are considered immune.

Clackamas County is hosting a vaccine clinic for the community on October 2 at the Ackerman Center in Canby.

Those who are considered immune were born before 1957, diagnosed with measles in the past, had a blood test that confirms the immunity and someone who has received two doses of the measles vaccine.