Public health officials in Multnomah County have confirmed a case of measles linked to a March 7 exposure at a Gresham grocery store, though officials say the risk to the general public remains low.
The confirmed case involves an individual who had received one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and is connected to a previously identified exposure at WinCo Foods in Gresham.
People may have been exposed if they were at WinCo Foods, located at 2511 S.E. First St., between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on March 7.
Health officials said the individual and their family are cooperating as authorities work to limit any potential spread.
Officials are advising anyone who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure. Because the exposure occurred March 7, the monitoring period ends March 28. At this stage, health officials say it is unlikely that additional cases will develop.
Public health officials emphasized that most Oregonians are vaccinated against measles, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.
“Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccination,” said Dr. Richard Bruno, Multnomah County health officer. “Because measles is so contagious, high levels of immunity in the community are needed to prevent its spread.”
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves an area. Individuals are contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward.
Symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
While most people recover, measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain swelling. Young children, adults over 20, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Health officials say vaccination remains the most effective protection, with two doses of the MMR vaccine about 97% effective at preventing infection.
Anyone who develops symptoms or believes they may have been exposed is urged not to visit a clinic or hospital without calling ahead. Instead, they should contact a health care provider by phone to arrange care and avoid exposing others.
