Two new measles exposure sites confirmed in Portland metro

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Officials with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are warning the public about two new locations in the Portland metro area where people may have been exposed to measles.

The potential exposure sites are Lark Café in West Linn and Pho.Com in Gresham.

Officials said people who were at those locations during specific time frames should contact a health care provider immediately.

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Exposure may have occurred at Lark Café, 1980 Willamette Falls Drive No. 120, between noon and 3 p.m. Friday, March 27. A second exposure window was identified at Pho.Com, 316 N. Main Ave., between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

OHA, along with Clackamas and Multnomah County public health officials, urged anyone who may have been exposed to review their vaccination status and assess their risk with a provider.

Providers can assess whether a person is immune to measles based on vaccination records, age or laboratory evidence of a prior infection.

Health officials emphasized that early consultation can help prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.

People without a primary care provider can establish care through Multnomah County’s health system. The county operates seven primary care clinics and nine student health centers, which are based at high schools but serve anyone ages 5 to 18.

To schedule a new patient appointment, officials said to call 503-988-5558.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and can infect up to 90% of unprotected close contacts. Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.

Nationwide, measles cases have been rising since early 2025. Nearly 2,300 cases were reported last year, with most occurring among unvaccinated children.

Symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis accompanied by a high fever. A rash usually follows, starting on the head or neck and spreading downward. People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

OHA advises health care providers to report suspected cases immediately and consider post-exposure treatment for exposed patients. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure. Immunoglobulin may be administered within six days.

For most people 6 months and older who are eligible for vaccination, receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure is recommended.

Anyone not protected against measles is at risk, according to OHA. The agency encourages residents to check their vaccination status and contact a health care provider with questions.