Measles Confirmed In Beaverton: Oregon Health Authority

BEAVERTON, OR — Measles was confirmed in an individual who visited several locations in Beaverton between the end of July and the first week of August, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Anyone who may have been to any of the same locations during the same period of time, and who may not have their measles vaccination up-to-date, could be at significant risk of infection.

OHA officials confirmed the positive case late last Friday, making this the second case of the measles in the Portland metro area just this summer. The first measles case was reportedly connected to exposure at a Gresham-area daycare facility.

The person who tested positive for measles last Friday, Aug. 10, reportedly spent time in the metro region between July 30 and Aug. 6. Anyone who visited the following locations during that time frame may have been exposed to measles:

• July 30, at PDX Airport, from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
• July 31, at Leno Medoyeff Bridal, 710 N.W. 23rd Ave. in Portland, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 1, at Tom’s Pancake House, 12925 S.W. Canyon Rd. in Beaverton, from 7 to 9:30 a.m.
• Aug. 2, on the MAX Red Line, Beaverton Transit Center to Pioneer Square, from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
• Aug. 2, on the MAX Red Line, Pioneer Place to Beaverton Transit Center, from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
• Aug. 5, at Verde Cocina, 5515 SW Canyon Ct. in Portland, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

OHA officials say measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily to unvaccinated people, even through a cough or sneeze, before a sick person begins to show symptoms. Fortunately, measles infections in the metro region are better contained thanks to the high numbers of vaccinated people who live in the area.

Additionally, a person is considered immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have had measles before, or have been fully vaccinated by two doses.

People who have not been vaccinated, as well as pregnant women, children younger than one year, and people with weakened or otherwise compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of sickness.

Measles typically begins like a cold or allergy flareup, with fever, coughing, running nose and red eyes. However, it's the rash from head to toe that really differentiates measles from other sicknesses early on.

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People with measles are thought to be contagious for four days before the rash shows up, and then again for another four days afterward.

Ear and/or lung infections as well as diarrhea are other symptoms of sick person may experience. Brain swelling and death are also serious possibilities, though much more rare.

Measles can reportedly take up to two weeks before fully developing.

If you believe you've been exposed or may be sick with measles, OHA official advise calling your healthcare provider before heading to the hospital; that way the hospital staff can work out a plan for getting you into the facility without exposing any other people to measles.

For more information on measles, visit the Oregon Health Authority website.

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