Measles in Oregon: What Parents Need to Know

By East Portland Pediatric Clinic | March 30, 2026

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has reported multiple measles cases in Oregon. We know this can feel scary. Our goal is to give you clear, simple facts so you can protect your family.

We are following OHA guidance closely and are here to answer your questions.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that spreads through the air. When a person with measles coughs, sneezes, or even talks, the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours.

If people who are not protected are exposed to the virus (even after the sick person has left the room), 9 out of 10 of them can become sick with measles.

Measles can be serious, especially for children under age 5 years. Nearly 1 out of every 3 children under the age of 5 who catches measles ends up in the hospital.

People with the highest  risk for severe illness from measles are:

  • Babies under 1 year old
  • Pregnant people
  • People with weakened immune systems

Most of the time, children who get measles are not up to date on recommended vaccines or are not old enough to get the vaccine.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually start 7–21 days after exposure.

Early symptoms include:

  • High fever (can reach 104–105°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (pink eye)

A few days later, a red rash appears. It usually:

  • Starts on the face
  • Spreads down to the body

A person with measles is contagious from 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appears.

Why Is Measles a Concern?

Measles is not just a rash. It can cause serious problems, including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea and dehydration
  • Brain swelling (encephalitis)
  • Hospitalization

Before the measles vaccine, this illness caused many deaths worldwide, including about 450 deaths every year in the United States, most of whom were previously healthy children. Vaccination has saved millions of lives.

The Best Protection: MMR Vaccine

The best way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

Routine schedule:

  • First dose: 12–15 months
  • Second dose: 4–6 years

How well does it work?

  • 1 dose is about 93% effective
  • 2 doses are about 97% effective

Two doses give long-lasting protection. 

Even in rare cases where a vaccinated person gets measles, the illness is usually milder and less likely to spread to others.

My Child Had the 1st MMR Vaccine. How Soon Can They Have the 2nd?

The second MMR vaccine is safe and effective if it has been at least 28 days from the first vaccine. 

The OHA is not currently recommending giving the second vaccine early, but if you want your child to have it now and you do not have further questions, you can call our office and schedule a shot-only visit, as long as it has been at least 28 days from the 1st dose.

If you are unsure or have questions, we can schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.

Can My Baby Get the MMR Early?

In certain situations (such as travel or during an outbreak), babies 6–11 months old can receive an early dose.

Important things to know:

  • A dose given before 12 months does not count toward the regular 2-dose series.
  • Your child will still need 2 more doses after their first birthday.

If you are wondering whether early vaccination is right for your child, please call our office to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.

What If I Think My Child Was Exposed?

If your child:

  • Has symptoms of measles
  • Was around someone diagnosed with measles
  • Was notified of a possible exposure

Please stay home and call our office first.

Do not come directly into the clinic without calling. We will:

  • Talk through symptoms
  • Help decide next steps
  • Make a safe plan to avoid exposing others

If your child is having trouble breathing, is very lethargic, or appears seriously ill, call 911. Be sure to let them know about the possible measles exposure.

Should We Avoid Public Places?

If your child is fully vaccinated, they are very well protected and do not need to avoid normal activities.

If your child:

  • Is too young to be vaccinated
  • Is not vaccinated
  • Has a weakened immune system

You may want to limit time in crowded public spaces during an outbreak.

Can My Unvaccinated Child Go to School if There is an Outbreak?

These are the public health guidelines if your child is not vaccinated and is exposed to measles or there is a case of measles at school:

  • Children who have not received a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV vaccine) should be excluded from school for 21 days after the onset of rash in the last case of measles in the school or community.
  • Unimmunized children who have not had a known exposure to someone with measles can return to school or child care immediately after they receive a dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine.
  • Unimmunized children who have been exposed to someone with measles but receive a dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine within 72 hours of their first exposure can return to school immediately.
  • Unimmunized children who have been exposed to someone with measles but receive a dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine more than 72 hours after their first exposure should be excluded from school for 21 days from the time of the last (most recent) exposure.

How Do I Check My Child’s Vaccine Record?

You can check your child’s vaccine record by logging into our Patient Portal:

  • Select your child’s name
  • Scroll down to Immunizations
  • Vaccines are listed alphabetically; look for these names:
    • MMR
    • MMRV
    • VFC MMR
    • VFC MMRV

Below the Immunization section, you have the option of downloading a pdf of your child’s vaccines by clicking on the Immunization Record button:

If your child is due (or overdue) for MMR, we are happy to schedule a vaccine visit.

We’re Here to Help

Measles is preventable. The most important step families can take is making sure children are up to date on their MMR vaccine.

If you have questions about measles, exposure, travel, or vaccines, please call us. We are here to support your family and keep our community healthy.

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Posted in EPPC News, In the News, Parenting, Vaccines