C.O. health official talks of possible measles exposure

The measles outbreak underway in the Pacific Northwest has now reached as far as Hawaii. Meanwhile, a child from Washington who is suspected of having the measles was in Bend 10 days ago. On Jan. 19 and 20, the child visited the Mountain Air Trampoline Park and the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center.

It’s important to note that health officials have not confirmed the child did in fact have the measles.

However, the disease is still spreading elsewhere. There are 38 confirmed cases in Oregon and Washington plus two new cases in Hawaii after a Washington family traveled there.

That said, Deschutes County’s public health director explained Tuesday the two potential exposure sites in Central Oregon are safe to visit now.

“What happens with measles is it’s mostly spread through coughing, sneezing, things like that,” Heather Kaiser said. “It can be somewhat airborne, but it only survives two hours after that person leaves.”

Patrick Booher, the owner of Mountain Air Trampoline Park, said Tuesday he’s confident his business is virus-free.

“Regardless of measles, we sanitize Mountain Air on a daily basis,” he said. “In fact, the facilities have been fully sanitized 10 times since Jan. 19,” the date of possible exposure

Juniper Swim and Fitness Center has a similar message. In a statement to NewsChannel 21, the Bend Parks and Recreation District wrote:

“We thank the public health officials who are investigating the possible measles exposure. Juniper Swim & Fitness Center provided information to assist efforts. We have high standards for cleaning the facility and those are a priority. Health guidance indicates the measles virus can be airborne for up to two hours, and pool water does not spread airborne virus. Anyone who is concerned about their personal health is encouraged to contact health officials directly.”

The majority of people who have caught the measles during this outbreak were not vaccinated. The other cases are still under investigation.

Still, the concept of immunization and vaccinations is highly debated. Not all support the practice. In fact, several people expressed concerns with NewsChannel 21 but said they were too afraid to make their “anti-vaxxer” opinions public for fear of backlash.

One physician assistant from Family Choice Urgent Care in Bend said she understands parents have a lot to think about when it comes to any decision about their children. But Carolyn Nixon also stressed there’s no reason to fear the measles vaccine.

“There have been extensive studies on the measles vaccine proving the safety of it,” Nixon said. “I think you’re always looking at the risk versus the benefit. I think there’s certainly shown to be more benefit to vaccination than the risk of getting one of those illnesses that potentially could cause serious side effects.”

The measles is highly contagious.

Deschutes County health officials recommend if a person were at either possible exposure site and never received a measles vaccine, there is a chance they may catch the virus. They urge those people to call health officials if they are not immune to the measles, they have been exposed, and as soon as they notice symptoms.

Officials say right now, there are no measles cases detected within the Central Oregon community.

They’re working to keep it that way.