500 people possibly exposed in Portland-area measles case

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Health officials say upward of 500 people in the Portland area might have been exposed to the measles after someone with the virus entered a child care center in Gresham.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the measles infection was confirmed Wednesday after an emergency room visit.

Multnomah County health officials, Adventist Health Portland and the child care center have issued notifications to anyone who might have come into contact with the patient.

County health officials say there are about 40 people known to have been exposed who’ve not been immunized.

Those most at risk of contracting the illness include people who have not been inoculated, pregnant women, babies or those with weakened immune systems.

The virus can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com