Wallowa Memorial urges public to be cautious amidst Oregon Measles outbreak

ENTERPRISE – In mid-February, the Oregon Health Authority declared a Measles outbreak, following an increasing number of confirmed cases in Western Oregon and detections in wastewater samples. Though no outbreaks have been reported in Eastern Oregon Counties at the time of writing, and the OHA Respiratory Viral Pathogen monitoring dashboard reports no data or non-detectable levels of measles in Eastern and Central Oregon county wastewater samples, the public is still being asked to remain cautious.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Measles virus, Wallowa Memorial Hospital recently shared some basic but critical information on its spread, symptoms, and what should be done if symptoms are noticed. As posted by Wallowa Memorial Hospital:

How Measles spreads

• It moves via breathing, coughing, or sneezing
• The contagious period lasts for 4 days BEFORE the rash starts and 4 days AFTER.
• Stay alert because it spread before the rash appears it’s easy to pass it on to others without realizing it.

Symptoms

• Feaver
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Red Eyes
• Rash beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body

Begins 7-21 days after exposure

What to do if you suspect measles

If you or a family member has symptoms, call your health care provider or the emergency department first to plan your visit and prevent exposing others.

Wallowa Memorial Hospital heavily emphasizes that, if someone suspects measles, they should call their healthcare provider (clinic, hospital, etc.) in advance before coming in. This allows providers to prepare for their arrival and prevent the virus spreading to staff and patients.

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Elkhorn Media Group