Measles outbreak in Oregon continues to spread

Oregon Health Authority officials said the measles outbreak is a good reminder to parents to get their kids up to date on their vaccinations before school starts. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The measles outbreak that started in mid-June in Marion County has spread to at least 23 residents in three counties.

And it’s probably not over.

“We continue to see cases, and we have not been able to connect them all, suggesting that there are other cases out there,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the Oregon Health Authority’s medical director and top immunologist.

Only one person in the outbreak has been vaccinated and two people have been hospitalized, the health authority said .

Cases of pertussis or whooping cough also are spreading, with seven  cases reported last week , bringing the year’s total to more than 400. The virus has infected people in 13 Oregon counties this year.

With the start of the school year looming, the health authority urged parents to get their kids up to date on their vaccinations.

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