What You Need to Know About Measles: Protection is Key

Mar 30, 2026

Close-up of a woman receiving a vaccination in her upper arm while a healthcare worker wearing blue gloves administers the injection.Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spreading nationally, with Oregon also declaring a statewide outbreak. Although no known cases have been identified in Central Oregon as of March 2026, this highly communicable disease can spread quickly—through travel and visitors and then among those who aren’t immune. Here’s what you need to know now:

Measles is Very Contagious

Anyone who is not protected is at risk.
  • People can spread measles BEFORE they have symptoms. Measle symptoms start 7-14 days AFTER you become infected.
  • Measles can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves that space.
  • Measles can spread when people sneeze or cough.
  • Measles lives on surfaces and in the air. When you touch a surface with measles germs, it enters your body when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose.
  • You cannot catch measles from pets; Measles only spreads from people to people contact.

Getting the Measles Vaccine is Your Best Protection

If you are not sure you are protected, you can schedule a telehealth appointment with one of Mosaic’s nurses or providers and we can review your vaccine records. In some cases, you may have had a blood test to check for measles immunity. We can provide measles vaccines or blood tests to check if you need to be vaccinated. The vaccine and blood test are covered by your insurance. If you do not have insurance, we have programs to help you.

Measles Can Cause Serious Complications

Measles is not just a rash—it can cause serious complications. Complications from measles include:
  • Hospitalization: 1 in 5 people who get measles are hospitalized.
  • Pneumonia: 1 in 20 children who get measles get pneumonia. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for young children who get measles.
  • Encephalitis (brain swelling): 1 in 1,000 children will develop brain swelling—which can cause convulsions which leave a child deaf or with intellectual disabilities.
  • Death: Approximate 1-3 of every 1,000 children who are infected will die from measles complications.
  • For pregnant people who are not vaccinated, measles during pregnancy can cause premature birth or low-birth weight babies.

Some People Are More At-Risk

People who are most at risk are:
  • Children younger than 5 years old
  • Adults older than 20 years
  • Pregnant people
  • People with weakened immune systems: those with leukemia, HIV, or anyone taking a medication that weakens your immune system.

Symptoms Start with a Fever

Measles starts with a fever and a rash follows that fever. People with measles also have a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Tiny white spots appear inside of the mouth 2-3 days after the symptoms begin.

What To Do if You Think You Have Measles

If you believe that you or a family member are sick with measles or have been exposed to measles—call your healthcare provider first. At Mosaic, one of our nurses will evaluate your exposure or symptoms and make sure you get the testing and treatment that you need.

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