Health officials have identified a potential measles exposure site in Clackamas County, prompting urgent warnings for anyone present during the specified timeframe.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports that anyone who visited the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center Emergency Department at 10180 SE Sunnyside Road in Clackamas on January 26 between 11:28 a.m. and 1:53 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. This exposure is linked to the second confirmed measles case in Clackamas County so far this year. The first was reported by OHA on January 16 and involved an unvaccinated resident, though no public exposure locations were identified at that time.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, spreading through airborne droplets and lingering in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Individuals can be contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a spreading rash. Complications can be severe, particularly among infants, pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Anyone who was at the specified location during that time period is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Providers will assess immunity based on vaccination records, age, or lab evidence of prior infection, and determine need for post-exposure prophylaxis or other precautions.

The emergence of measles cases in Clackamas County underscores the importance of staying up to date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing measles. Public health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most effective protection for individuals and the community.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, particularly in high-traffic public spaces and healthcare settings. Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about exposure should call ahead before visiting a medical facility to avoid exposing others.

This incident serves as a critical reminder of the dangers presented by vaccine-preventable diseases — and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding our community’s health.

Source: https://www.koin.com/news/health/oha-warns-people-could-have-been-exposed-to-new-measles-case-at-clackamas-emergency-room/