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Oregon Health Authority Reports Rising Measles Cases Amid Wastewater Detection

Oregon Health Authority Reports Rising Measles Cases Amid Wastewater Detection

The Oregon Health Authority has reported a significant increase in measles cases, with 13 cases confirmed since the start of 2026. This rise is notable as it approaches the peak outbreak year of 2024, which saw 31 cases. The majority of the recent cases involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. The state epidemiologist, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, highlighted that measles has been detected in wastewater in counties without reported cases, indicating a broader spread than initially apparent. Recent potential exposure sites include a Portland store, a hospital, and two restaurants in Gresham and West Linn. Although there is no ongoing risk at these locations, the presence of measles in wastewater suggests the disease is more widespread.

Oregon Man's Mystery Illness Solved: Pulmonary Tularemia Diagnosis

Oregon Man's Mystery Illness Solved: Pulmonary Tularemia Diagnosis

Andy McDonald, a retired sawmill worker from Oregon, experienced recurring fevers and mental fog, leading to a prolonged medical mystery. Initially suspected to be a Crohn's disease flare-up, his condition worsened despite treatment. After multiple hospital visits and extensive testing, including for cancer and various infections, McDonald was diagnosed with pulmonary tularemia, a rare bacterial infection. The diagnosis was made by an infectious disease specialist who connected McDonald's symptoms to his exposure to rodents and contaminated environments. Tularemia, if untreated, has a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised individuals like McDonald.

Oregon Health Authority Reports Rising Measles Cases, Warns of Potential Outbreak

Oregon Health Authority Reports Rising Measles Cases, Warns of Potential Outbreak

The Oregon Health Authority has reported an increase in measles cases, with 13 confirmed cases since the beginning of 2026. Most of these cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. The state is on track to surpass the number of cases reported during its peak outbreak year in 2024, which saw 31 cases. The health authority has also detected measles in wastewater in counties without reported cases, indicating a wider spread of the disease. Exposure to measles has been reported at several locations, including a Portland store and hospital, as well as restaurants in Gresham and West Linn.

Oregon Health Authority Confirms Measles Exposure at Portland Safeway

Oregon Health Authority Confirms Measles Exposure at Portland Safeway

The Oregon Health Authority has confirmed that individuals who visited the Safeway located at 2800 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland may have been exposed to measles. The potential exposure occurred during specific times between March 26 and March 29. Health officials have also identified additional exposure sites, including a Gresham Winco on March 7, Providence Portland Medical Center's emergency waiting room on March 30, Lark Café in West Linn on March 27, and Pho.Com restaurant in Gresham on March 25. Those who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to contact their healthcare providers to verify their vaccination records.

Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Safeway in Southeast Portland

Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Safeway in Southeast Portland

The Oregon Health Authority has identified a Safeway store in Southeast Portland as a site of potential measles exposure. Health officials have warned that individuals who visited the store at 2800 SE Hawthorne Blvd during specific times from March 26 to March 29 may have been exposed to the virus. The public is advised to contact healthcare providers if they were present during these times. This alert follows the identification of other exposure sites in the Portland metro area, emphasizing the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent the spread of measles.

Oregon Health Authority Identifies New Measles Exposure Sites in Portland Metro Area

Oregon Health Authority Identifies New Measles Exposure Sites in Portland Metro Area

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has announced two new locations in the Portland metro area where individuals may have been exposed to measles. The identified sites are Lark Café in West Linn and Pho.Com in Gresham. The OHA advises that individuals who were present at these locations during specific time frames should contact a healthcare provider immediately. The exposure at Lark Café occurred between noon and 3 p.m. on March 27, while the exposure at Pho.Com was between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on March 25. The OHA, along with Clackamas and Multnomah County public health officials, is urging residents to review their vaccination status and consult with healthcare providers to assess their risk. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can spread through the air and infect up to 90% of unprotected close contacts. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a high fever, followed by a rash.

Cook County Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at O'Hare and Suburban Locations

Cook County Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at O'Hare and Suburban Locations

The Cook County Department of Public Health has issued a warning about potential measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 5 and two suburban locations. An individual contagious with measles visited these areas, including a Marshalls and a Fresh Farms grocery store in Niles, and an immediate care center in Mount Prospect. The disease, which can remain airborne for up to two hours, poses a significant risk, especially to unvaccinated individuals. Symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, rash, and cough. The county health department emphasizes the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Oregon Health Authority Faces Audit Over $15 Million in Erroneous Benefits

Oregon Health Authority Faces Audit Over $15 Million in Erroneous Benefits

The Oregon Health Authority is under scrutiny following an audit that revealed the state may have improperly distributed $15 million in benefits through its Basic Health Program. The audit, conducted by the Secretary of State’s Audits Division, found that the state’s ONE eligibility system made errors in determining income thresholds, leading to benefits being awarded to individuals who were not eligible. The audit covered the period from July 2024 to June 2025, during which Oregon spent $21.1 billion in federal funds across 433 programs. The Basic Health Program, which provides health coverage to individuals with incomes between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level, was specifically highlighted for its adverse opinion. The Oregon Health Authority has acknowledged the errors and is working to rectify the situation, including making financial restitution to the health plan’s trust fund.

Measles Cases Surge in Collier County Amid Statewide Outbreak

Measles Cases Surge in Collier County Amid Statewide Outbreak

Collier County, Florida, has reported an increase in measles cases, with the total reaching 106 for the year. This surge is part of a larger outbreak in the state, which has seen 144 cases in 2026. The outbreak began in February at Ave Maria University, where at least 62 individuals were infected. Health officials emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine as the most effective prevention method against measles. The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to ensure vaccinations are up to date.

Eastern Utah Health Officials Report Doubling of Measles Infections, Urge Vaccination

Eastern Utah Health Officials Report Doubling of Measles Infections, Urge Vaccination

In eastern Utah, the TriCounty Health Department has reported a significant increase in measles infections, with cases doubling in Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties. The department confirmed that the number of infections has risen from 23 to 56 within a week. This surge is part of a broader outbreak in Utah, where 559 cases have been reported since last year, with 142 new cases in the past three weeks. The health department acknowledges the choice of some individuals not to vaccinate but emphasizes the importance of understanding the benefits and risks associated with vaccines. The department has expressed gratitude to families, schools, and clinicians for their efforts in protecting vulnerable children. The board of health had previously warned of potential outbreaks due to low vaccination rates and continues to advocate for informed discussions about the science and health impacts of vaccines.

Cairnspring Mills Achieves Climate Label Certification for Sustainable Practices

Cairnspring Mills Achieves Climate Label Certification for Sustainable Practices

Cairnspring Mills Achieves Climate Label Certification for Sustainable Practices

UK Health Officials Report 43% Increase in Chikungunya Cases Among Travelers

UK Health Officials Report 43% Increase in Chikungunya Cases Among Travelers

In 2025, the UK reported 160 cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, marking a 43% increase from the previous year. The majority of these cases were identified in London, with 159 in England and one in Wales. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted the importance of mosquito bite prevention for travelers, especially during peak travel months. Chikungunya is known for causing fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months or even years. While serious complications are rare, the disease can be fatal for very young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. The increase in cases has been linked to travel to regions such as Asia and the Indian Ocean.