News Release - Health officials investigating potential measles exposure in Deschutes County
1/28, 7:34 p.m.: This release has been updated with new information concerning the dates of potential exposure.
The Oregon Health Authority and Deschutes County Health Services are actively investigating a potential measles exposure in Deschutes County. The suspect case is connected to a broader outbreak that began in Clark County earlier this month.
Health officials have not confirmed that the person, who was visiting Deschutes County, has measles. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is awaiting test results.
Most Oregonians have been vaccinated against measles and are protected. Anyone who has never been vaccinated is at much higher risk of getting measles if they come into contact with someone who is contagious.
Possible exposures in public locations include:
- Mountain Air, 20495 Murray Rd, Suite 150, Bend, Saturday, Jan. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Juniper Swim and Fitness Center, 800 NE 6th St, Bend, Sunday, Jan. 20 (Timeframe currently unknown. Updates will be provided as they are available).
These locations are now considered safe. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If you were at one of these locations during this time period and are not fully vaccinated for measles, please contact Deschutes County Health Services at (541) 322-7418. This line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
OHA has also established a call center for general questions related to the measles. Anyone who has questions about public exposures should dial 2-1-1. The call center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends.
When to Call
Oregon public health officials urge people to call ahead before visiting their health care provider if:
- They are not immune AND
- They have been exposed AND
- They have symptoms
Making an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms can help stop the spread of measles.
Anyone with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or their county health department. For more information on measles for the public, please visit the OHA measles webpage.
About Measles
Measles poses the highest risk to unvaccinated pregnant women, infants under 12 months of age, and people with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection, and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.
After someone contracts measles, illness develops in about two weeks, but people can be contagious days before they know they’re sick.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.
A person is considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:
- You were born before 1957.
- A physician diagnosed you with measles in the past.
- A blood test proves that you are immune.
- You have been fully vaccinated against measles (one dose for children 12 months through 3 years old, two doses in anyone 4 years and older).
Vaccination is the best prevention
Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider, a School Based Health Center (SBHC) or Deschutes County Health Services (541-322-7499) to make an appointment. Appointments at School Based Health Centers can be made at the following:
- Bend – Bend High SBHC – (541) 383-3005 or Ensworth SBHC - (541) 383-3005
- La Pine – La Pine SBHC - (541) 536-0400
- Redmond – Lynch SBHC - (541) 383-3005 or Redmond High SBHC - (541) 383-3005
- Sisters – Sisters SBHC - (541) 526-6623
Pharmacists can also immunize children age 7 or older. Please contact your local pharmacy for details.
To find out the immunization status of your child’s school visit: www.deschutes.org/immunizations.
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News Release Issued: January 28, 2019
