Measles is spreading across the United States, and in Oregon. Measles is a virus that spreads very easily through the air when someone who is infected breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can float in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. 

What’s happening now?

Since early 2025, measles cases have been going up across the country. Last year, close to 2,300 cases were reported in the United States. About 11 percent of those people needed hospital care, and three people died. Most of the cases were in children and teens who were not vaccinated. 

In 2026, there have been almost 1,000 cases reported in the U.S.  

In Oregon, we’ve had five confirmed measles cases since Jan. 1, 2026. These cases show only a fraction of the true number of measles cases because not everyone who becomes sick will seek medical treatment or be tested.

How we track measles

Oregon uses two main tools to watch for measles:

• Reports from doctors and clinics.
• Wastewater testing, which started in Oct. 2025.

Wastewater testing uses sewage to test for infectious disease. Because sewage water is mixed, it should be thought of like a ping on a radar – it shows if measles might be in the community, even if people who are sick do not seek medical care.

Oregon’s new dashboard displays measles levels by county. This helps everyone understand what’s happening where they live.

Why this matters

Knowing where measles is spreading helps families and health care providers make smart choices. The best protection is two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you’re not sure if you’ve had both doses, now is the time to check.

What are the symptoms?

Measles usually starts seven to 21 days after being around someone who is sick. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes (pink eye)
• A rash that starts on the head or neck and spreads down the body.

People with measles can spread it from four days before the rash appears, to four days after. That means you can give it to others before you even know you’re sick.

Why vaccination is important

Measles is very contagious. It can cause serious problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to stay safe.

Take action today

Protect yourself, your family and your community:

• Check your vaccination status: Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection.
• Stay informed: Visit Oregon’s new Measles Wastewater Dashboard for county-level measles information.
• Learn more about measles and vaccines.
• If you think you’ve been exposed: Contact your healthcare provider right away. Quick action matters.

Together we can stop measles from spreading in Oregon.