Measles Outbreak Hits Portland Restaurants

Health officials warn of potential exposure at two local eateries.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:45pm by Ben Kaplan

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A translucent, ghostly x-ray image of a measles virus particle, its intricate structure revealed against a dark background, conveying the invisible threat of this infectious disease.A public health alert warns of potential measles exposure at two popular Portland restaurants, highlighting the need for vigilance against the highly contagious virus.Portland Today

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a public health alert after two confirmed cases of measles were linked to recent visits to two restaurants in the Portland metro area. Individuals who dined at these establishments during the specified dates may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can spread rapidly, especially in densely populated urban areas like Portland. This incident highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for swift public health response to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

The details

The two affected restaurants are Bamboo Sushi in Northeast Portland and Pok Pok in Southeast Portland. Health officials say anyone who visited these establishments on March 28 or March 29 may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms.

  • The potential exposures occurred on March 28 and March 29, 2026.
  • The Oregon Health Authority issued the public health alert on April 2, 2026.

The players

Oregon Health Authority

The state's public health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks.

Bamboo Sushi

A sushi restaurant located in Northeast Portland.

Pok Pok

A Thai restaurant located in Southeast Portland.

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What they’re saying

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly, especially in densely populated areas. We urge anyone who visited these restaurants during the specified dates to monitor for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they have concerns.”

— Dr. Dean Sidelinger, State Epidemiologist, Oregon Health Authority

What’s next

The Oregon Health Authority is working with local public health officials to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. They are also providing guidance to the affected restaurants on cleaning and disinfection protocols.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination, especially in urban areas with high foot traffic. It also highlights the need for robust public health infrastructure to quickly respond to and contain the spread of infectious diseases.