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23 measles cases confirmed in Oregon - the most in a year since 1991



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PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – Health officials say 23 people have contracted the measles in Oregon in 2019. This is the most cases of measles the state has logged in a year since 1991.

Officials says recently, a new outbreak was reported in Clackamas and Multnomah counties and authorities have confirmed nine cases of measles since the beginning of July. That includes two cases that were confirmed since the Oregon Health Authority updated its numbers on Aug. 14.

None of the nine people who recently contracted measles were immunized, health officials say.

Those nine people have all remained at home while they were contagious and are communicating with health officials.

Officials say the number of confirmed measles cases in Oregon mirror a national and global trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 1,000 cases of measles confirmed in 30 states so far in 2019. That’s the greatest number reported since the measles was declared eliminated in 2000.

Most of the people diagnosed with the measles this year in Oregon have been children and health authorities are asking parents to vaccinate their kids before they return to school.

“Measles is a serious illness, people are miserable for a week and very contagious while sick,” said Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County deputy health officer. “The vaccine is safe and effective; it keeps kids healthy and in school. Fully vaccinated kids also protect their siblings, friends and teachers.”

If an unvaccinated student is diagnosed with measles, they will not be allowed to come to school for 21 days.

Measles spreads through the air after someone with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infections has left.

Measles causes a runny nose, cough, and a high fever, followed by a whole-body rash.

RELATED | Health officials confirm second case of measles in Portland-metro area

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