Traveler contagious with measles visited Salem, health officials warn

A traveler contagious with measles visited three Salem locations recently, although officials say the case isn't tied to the recent Washington state outbreak.

Still, "there are no confirmed cases of measles in Marion County at this time," said Public Health Division Director Katrina Rothenberger with Marion County.

The Oregon Health Authority warned Friday that people who went to these locations may have been exposed, and "risk may be higher for unvaccinated persons:"

• Youth With A Mission (YWAM) at 7085 Battle Creek Rd. SE from 7 a.m. Feb. 18 to 1 p.m Feb. 22
• Get Air Trampoline Park at 3910 Rickey St. SE on Feb. 21 from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Red Robin at 831 Lancaster Dr. NE on Feb. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Risk also could be higher for people who visited the Southwest Airlines check-in area and Concourse C at Portland International Airport from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m on Feb. 22, health officials said.

The contagious person, who is from Illinois, hasn't gotten immunizations against the measles and was recently in countries where it's a common virus, officials said.

More:Fifth possible measles case reported in Oregon

The Health Authority is working with Marion County to get in touch with people who may have been exposed to the virus, looking to stop them from exposing other people if they fall ill, officials said.

Most Oregon residents are vaccinated against measles and have a low risk of contracting it, officials said.

Health officials warned against going directly to a medical office if you aren't immune, have been exposed and are experiencing measles symptoms.

Potential patients instead should call a health care provider to make an entry plan that will avoid exposing other people to the virus, officials said.

Marion County has a call center that can be reached at 503-588-5621 for those with general questions about the case, officials said. Hours this weekend are: Friday until 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those with questions about the infection or vaccination also can call their primary care provider, health officials said.

In a press release, health officials said: "A person is considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:

• You were born before 1957.
• Your physician has diagnosed you with measles.
• 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)."

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.