Oregon Confirms First Measles Case of 2025 in Multnomah County; Health Officials Urge Vaccination

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2025 on June 23. The individual, an adult, is unvaccinated and developed symptoms after recently returning to Oregon from international travel.

The patient, who showed signs of sore throat, fatigue, fever, and headache on June 16, was hospitalized with a rash and conjunctivitis on June 19. The individual was discharged on June 21 and is currently recovering. Public health officials have not found evidence of exposure to other patients at the hospital.

The individual is believed to have contracted measles during travel abroad over the past month, and this case is not linked to outbreaks in other U.S. states.

Dr. Paul R. Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA, emphasized the risks for unvaccinated individuals. "If you're not vaccinated, you are susceptible. Measles can spread quickly, and you could unknowingly transmit the disease for days before showing symptoms," he said.

Officials have identified potential exposure locations and times as follows:

• Flight UA1832/SN8869 (Brussels Air operated by United Airlines) on Tuesday, June 17, from Chicago O’Hare to Portland International Airport, economy cabin, from 4:01 p.m. CDT to 6:29 p.m. PDT.
• Portland International Airport, arrivals and baggage claim between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on June 17.
• Safeway, 401 A Ave., Lake Oswego, Clackamas County, from 1 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.

How Measles Spreads and Symptoms

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, posing a risk even after the infected person has left. Symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads. Complications include ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, brain swelling, which can be fatal.

Who Is at Risk?

While most Oregonians are vaccinated, unvaccinated individuals are particularly vulnerable. Measles presents the highest risk to:

• Unvaccinated pregnant individuals
• Infants younger than 1 year old
• People with weakened immune systems

You are considered immune to measles if:

• You were born before 1957
• You’ve had measles previously
• You’ve received two doses of the measles vaccine

Travel and Vaccination

Travelers to countries where measles is common should be vaccinated beforehand, especially those with infants aged 6-12 months. Measles can spread rapidly in regions with lower vaccination rates.

What to Do If You Suspect Measles

If you or someone in your household shows symptoms of measles and has been exposed within the last 21 days, public health officials urge you to call your healthcare provider before visiting in person. This helps avoid exposing others to the virus in waiting rooms.

For more information on measles and prevention, visit the OHA's website here or read the OHA blog here.