Measles Exposure Reported at Salem Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon health officials have identified two locations in Salem where individuals may have been exposed to measles: Salem Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office. This comes as measles cases are increasing across the U.S., reaching levels not seen since the 1990s.

Exposure Details

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports that exposure may have occurred in the Salem Health Hospital emergency department waiting room between 6:10 p.m. And 8:30 p.m. On March 16, 2026. Exposure is possible on the second floor of the Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office between 10:30 a.m. And 1:30 p.m. On March 13, 2026. Oregon Health Authority

Current Measles Cases in Oregon

As of March 19, 2026, Oregon has reported a total of nine measles cases this year, with six of those cases occurring in individuals who were unvaccinated, according to the OHA. OPB

Nationwide Measles Increase

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,362 measles cases as of March 13, 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, with the U.S. Having eradicated the disease in 2000. OPB

Symptoms and Prevention

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. OPB

Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads throughout the body. Symptoms usually appear 7-21 days after exposure. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to prevent further exposure.

Infants and children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications from measles. The OHA warns that 1-2 out of 1,000 measles cases can be fatal in developed countries.

The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles when administered in two doses. OPB

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding measles, contact the Oregon Department of Health at 360-236-4700. Kaiser Permanente