Measles confirmed in 2 more unvaccinated children in Marion County

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two more cases of measles have been confirmed in Marion County one month after Oregon recorded three cases in the state in June.

According to Marion County Public Health, the unvaccinated children were diagnosed on Thursday and Friday. However, officials said "there are currently no known exposures."

On June 17, two people in Clackamas County and one person in Marion County were confirmed to have measles, the Oregon Health Authority said.

Measles was declared irradicated in the US in 2000, but there have been occasional cases, including an outbreak of 28 reported cases in 2019, OHA said.

"Most people have received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine as children, and have a low risk of getting measles," Marion County Health said. "The risk is much higher for unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the disease."

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 are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward," Marion County Health officials said,

Marion County Health said anyone planning to seek medical care who suspects they may have measles should contact their healthcare provider by phone to create an entry plan to avoid exposure.