The Oregon Health Authority and officials in Linn County confirmed the state’s first measles cases of 2026.
The two individuals affected developed measles symptoms including rash, fever, cough and runny nose on Jan. 5. The state is advising people they may have been exposed to measles if they were at
- Lebanon Community Hospital Emergency Department, between 8:53 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7 a.m. Jan. 7
- Albany General Hospital Emergency Department, between 4:59 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. Jan. 7
People who were at those locations during those times should contact their health provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone with measles. The health care provider can determine whether they are immune to measles based on their vaccination record, age or laboratory evidence of prior infection.
“Measles is here in Oregon and rates are increasing nationally, which is why we encourage everyone to make sure they’re protected by talking with their providers about being up to date on vaccinations,” said Dr. Howard Chiou, the Oregon Health Authority’s medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations.
Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.
To learn more about measles, visit the Oregon Health Authority website.
The disease usually starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash follows starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Complications like ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea may occur.
In developed countries, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal. The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing it.
What to do if measles is suspected in a household?
Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms to not arrive unannounced at a medical office if they have a measles-like rash or have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days and have any other symptom of measles.
Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a health care provider or urgent care center to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others.
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