Health Alert: Measles Awareness
April 9th, 2026
While there are currently no confirmed measles cases on our campus, there have been some recent cases and exposure locations reported in the Portland metro area. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. Measles can be very serious, especially for infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
What You Need to Know
Individuals who are not immunized, immunocompromised, or pregnant are the highest risk of contracting measles.
Measles typically progresses through these stages:
- Early symptoms (7–14 days after exposure): Fever (often high), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Rash phase (3–5 days after above symptoms begin): Red, blotchy, bumpy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body
- Recovery (after about one week): Symptoms gradually improve, though cough and fatigue may persist
You are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days afterward.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others
- Contact a healthcare provider - be sure to call ahead before seeking medical care so precautions can be taken
- Wear a mask if you need to be around others
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often
- Follow guidance from your healthcare provider and public health officials
- Notify the Student Health Center as soon as possible
- Isolate at home for at least four days after the rash appears
- Avoid public places, classes, and gatherings
- Contact a healthcare provider promptly to discuss next steps
- If your healthcare provider is off campus, please also notify the Student Health Center of your exposure as well
- You may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (e.g. MMR vaccine or immune globulin) depending on your vaccination status and risk factors
- Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure
NOTE: If you are not fully immunized against measles and no post-exposure prophylaxis is given, you will need to isolate for 21 days after exposure.
- Mt Hood Community College, Gresham Campus Academic Center Building 17, main level, 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham - April 13
- Centennial Middle School, 17650 SE Brooklyn St., Portland — April 1, 6-10
- Providence Portland Medical Center, emergency department waiting room, 4805 NE Glisan St., Portland — March 30
- Safeway, 2800 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland — March 26-29
- Lark Café, 1980 Willamette Falls Drive #120, West Linn — March 27
- Pho.Com, 316 N. Main Ave., Gresham — March 25
Updated 4-21-26
Now is a good time to check your measles vaccination status.
- The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is highly effective at preventing measles and is available at the Student Health Center and local pharmacies. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, contact your primary care provider. If you declined the measles vaccine for medical or non-medical reasons, we will provide additional guidance due to your increased vulnerability.
For more information:
Oregon Health Authority (updated measles case information): https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx#M2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
Health Center is located in Fowler Student Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
email health@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7165
fax 503-768-7167
Health Center
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219