Oregon Reports Two New Measles Exposure Sites in Salem

Potential exposures identified at local healthcare facilities raise concerns as measles cases surge nationwide.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oregon Health Authority has alerted the public to potential measles exposures at two healthcare facilities in Salem - Salem Health Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office. The exposures occurred on March 16th and March 13th respectively, as the United States experiences a significant resurgence of measles cases.

Why it matters

This news comes amid a nationwide increase in measles cases, with over 1,300 confirmed by the CDC as of March. The rise is linked to declining vaccination rates, despite measles being eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

The details

Individuals who visited the emergency waiting room at Salem Health Hospital between 6:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on March 16th or the second floor of the Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on March 13th may have been exposed. The Oregon Health Authority advises those who were at these locations during the specified times to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

  • On March 16th, potential exposure at Salem Health Hospital.
  • On March 13th, potential exposure at Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office.

The players

Oregon Health Authority

The state's public health agency that issued the alert about the potential measles exposures.

Salem Health Hospital

A healthcare facility in Salem, Oregon where a potential measles exposure occurred.

Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Office

A healthcare facility in Salem, Oregon where a potential measles exposure occurred.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. federal agency that has reported over 1,300 confirmed measles cases nationwide as of March 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant and encourage vaccination to protect our community from this highly contagious disease.”

— Dr. Dean Sidelinger, State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist

What’s next

The Oregon Health Authority is closely monitoring the situation and urging anyone who may have been exposed to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need for vaccination and vigilance against measles, as the disease continues to resurge across the United States due to declining immunization rates. Healthcare facilities must remain proactive in identifying and containing potential exposures to protect vulnerable populations.