PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Multnomah County has recorded its first case of measles in 2025.
The Oregon Health Authority confirmed the case Monday after a person who recently traveled abroad began showing symptoms of the disease earlier in the month.
According to health officials, the person — an adult — first developed a sore throat, weakness, fatigue, a headache, and a fever on June 16. They were hospitalized in the Portland metro area with a rash and “pink eye” on June 19 and discharged on June 21.
OHA said the person likely got measles while traveling internationally within the last four to five weeks. The case has not been connected to other cases in the states.
“We’re here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if you’re not vaccinated, you are susceptible,” said Paul R. Cieslak with OHA’s Public Health Division.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease that spreads in the air when people cough or sneeze. The virus can also stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room.
Officials say the rise in measles cases comes from a lack of immunity due to communities that choose to not receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The disease often begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, but gradually grows into a rash that can begin on the face and spread throughout the rest of the body. Roughly 20% of those who contract the virus are hospitalized, and it can be fatal.
To prevent the disease from spreading, OHA advises all Oregon residents to check for immunity, which is typically achieved through vaccination. It offers the following guidelines:
- Babies ages 6 through 11 months can receive an early dose of the vaccine to protect them for travel; but they should then receive another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose between ages 4 and 6.
- Children older than a year who have not been vaccinated should immediately receive one dose and follow with a second dose at least 28 days later.
- Children older than a year with one prior dose should receive an early second dose of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
- Teenagers and adults previously vaccinated with one dose should consider getting a second dose if they are traveling to an area where measles is circulating.
- People preparing to travel internationally who have not been immunized should get the vaccine prior to departure.
However, those born before 1957 do not need to receive the vaccine, health officials say
“You could get measles if you’re exposed to someone who is contagious, which can be from four days before their rash starts until four days after,” Cieslak said. “After exposure, it can take up to three weeks before you show the characteristic measles rash. So, someone could not even know they have measles and be transmitting it for several days. That’s why it’s extremely important that all adults and children in their household be up to date on vaccinations.”
According to OHA data, the percentage of Oregon kindergartners fully vaccinated against measles sank from more than 94% in 2015, to just 90% in 2025.
Last year, Oregon recorded 31 measles cases — its largest outbreak in more than 30 years.
