Measles cases rise nationally as vaccination deadline arrives for Oregon schools

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Measles cases are on the rise nationally, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus is most likely to spread in areas with pockets of unvaccinated people.

In 2023, the CDC reported a total of 58 cases of measles in 20 states – including Oregon. And so far 20 cases have been reported through Feb. 15, 2024, less than two months into the year.

Those cases were reported in 11 states, including Arizona; California; Georgia; Maryland; Minnesota; Missouri; New Jersey; New York City; Ohio; Pennsylvania; and Virginia.

So far, there have yet to be any cases reported in Oregon this year, but officials encourage those who are unvaccinated to protect themselves and their children from the highly contagious virus.

The CDC’s update comes as Oregon Immunization Exclusion Day arrives on Wednesday, Feb. 21. State law requires Oregon families to ensure their children are vaccinated or have an exemption in order to remain enrolled in public schools or childcare facilities.

According to Multnomah County, 108,000 children and students in the area are expected to meet the school immunization requirements by the deadline.

Officials have already notified parents of the looming date. On Feb. 7, the county health department sent exclusion order letters to about 5,600 families and offered vaccinations at pop-up clinics the week leading up to the deadline.

The final pop-up clinic is scheduled for Wednesday at the CareOregon’s Boys & Girls Club in Rockwood on 454 SE 165th Avenue. The event is walk-in only.

The clinic will include vaccines against influenza, measles, hepatitis and more. The Oregon Health Authority has a full list of the immunizations required for the 2023-24 school year.

According to the county, the number of exclusion orders sent to families has increased by about 12% in recent years. Officials sent almost 5,000 notices in the years prior to the pandemic.