Oregon health officials are currently investigating two cases of measles in Linn County. They urge anyone who might have been exposed to the virus to reach out to their health provider.
Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads.
The infected individuals showed symptoms starting January 5. Possible exposure occurred at two hospitals during specific hours:
- Lebanon Community Hospital: January 6, 8:53 p.m. to January 7, 7 a.m.
- Albany General Hospital: January 7, 4:59 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
People can be contagious for days before they show signs of the illness. Symptoms typically start appearing seven to 21 days after exposure. If you think you may have been exposed, contact your doctor over the phone to prevent further exposure in health settings. Your provider can check your vaccination status or any past infections.
Dr. Howard Chiou, the medical director for communicable diseases at the Oregon Health Authority, highlighted the growing concern: “Measles is here in Oregon, and rates are increasing nationally. It’s essential to talk to your provider about staying up to date on vaccinations.”
Measles can lead to complications like ear infections, lung infections, and, in rare cases, encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Recent data shows a worrying spike in confirmed measles cases across the U.S. In 2025, infection rates hit their highest level since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000, as noted by Johns Hopkins University.
In Oregon, there was only one confirmed case of measles in 2025. The Oregon Health Authority recommends that children get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine starting at one year old. By 2024, about 88% of the state’s two-year-olds had received the MMR vaccine, according to the latest available data from the Oregon Health Authority.
Staying informed about vaccinations is crucial for protecting our communities.
For more information about measles and vaccinations, you can visit the Oregon Health Authority.
