Two new measles cases tied to Marion County outbreak, bringing total to four

Health officials have confirmed two additional measles cases tied to a Marion County outbreak, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to four.

The two new patients are from Multnomah and Clackamas counties. The cases stem from a contagious visitor to Marion County last month. Officials earlier confirmed two cases associated with the Illinois visitor who came to Salem in February.

The cases are not linked to a separate Clark County, Wash., outbreak, officials said.

Officials said the Clackamas County resident went to the Salem Youth With A Mission, also known as YWAM, at the same time as the contagious llinois resident.

"The spread of this disease in Oregon is a sobering reminder of how this virus can travel," Dr. Ann Thomas with the Oregon Health Authority said in a statement. "So if you haven’t already, make sure all adults and children in your household are up-to-date on vaccines."

Officials released several new Portland-area exposure sites visited by the Oregon residents. They are: 

• Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas from 11:45 p.m. on March 12 to 5 a.m. on March 13
• Revolution Church in Portland from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m on March 16, and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 17
• Von Ebert Brewing (the Glendoveer location) in Portland from 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m on March 17
• Kaiser Permanente Rockwood Medical Office in Portland from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 19

Risks of contracting the illness could be higher for unvaccinated people, although most Oregonians have gotten their vaccinations.

Those who aren't vaccinated, have been exposed and are showing measles symptoms are urged by officials not to go straight to the doctor.

Officials ask they instead contact a doctor by phone in order to avoid exposing others inside medical office waiting rooms. People who have questions about public exposures are asked to call 503-588-5621. That call center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. 

Contact reporter Jonathan Bach at jbach@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6714, or follow him on Twitter at @jonathanmbach.