Oregon Sees Spike in Measles Cases in 2026

State on track to surpass previous record of 31 cases in 2024 as health officials urge vaccination

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the detailed molecular structure of the measles virus, its intricate form glowing against a dark background.As measles cases rise in Oregon, an X-ray view reveals the complex inner workings of the highly contagious virus.Salem Today

Oregon has reported 13 confirmed measles cases in the first three months of 2026, putting the state on pace to exceed its previous recent record of 31 cases for the entire year 2024. State health officials say the majority of the new cases involve unvaccinated individuals, and they warn the reported cases likely represent only the "tip of the iceberg" as measles is detected in wastewater in counties without active outbreaks.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. The rising case rate in Oregon mirrors a national trend, with nearly 1,700 cases reported across the U.S. so far in 2026 compared to just under 2,300 for all of 2025 - the highest number since the country first reached measles elimination status decades ago.

The details

Twelve of the 13 measles cases reported in Oregon this year involved individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Most of the cases were not linked to each other or to travel outside the state, indicating widespread community transmission. State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said public health authorities have had to go to great lengths to track and notify people at potential exposure sites, as a person with measles is contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear.

  • In the first three months of 2026, Oregon has reported 13 confirmed measles cases.
  • In 2024, Oregon reported a previous recent record of 31 measles cases for the entire year.

The players

Dr. Dean Sidelinger

Oregon State Epidemiologist who provided updates on the state's rising measles cases.

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What they’re saying

“This is well above our number for last year, and is approaching our number that we saw in 2024 when we had an outbreak in the summer, and we're only three months into this year.”

— Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon State Epidemiologist

“We're seeing measles detected in wastewater in counties that don't have any measles cases reported, or that don't have any current measles cases reported at the time, so we know that measles is much more widespread in the state than that number 13 represents.”

— Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon State Epidemiologist

What’s next

Health officials are urging anyone unsure about their vaccination status to check, and for parents who may have been hesitant about vaccinating their children to reconsider in light of the increased measles activity and consult their healthcare providers.

The takeaway

The spike in measles cases in Oregon, mirroring a national trend, highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease, especially as it appears to be more widespread in the community than the reported case numbers indicate.