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Measles cases in 2026 surpass Oregon’s peak measles year
Most cases are in Multnomah County, while lower childhood vaccination rates and rising exemptions have left more communities vulnerable, officials said.
Oregon reached 45 confirmed measles cases since the start of 2026, surpassing the state's peak outbreak year from two years ago, according to the Oregon Health Authority's latest count Wednesday.
Declining vaccination rates, coupled with the Trump administration's recent overhaul of vaccine recommendations, left only 85.6% of kindergarteners up to date on required shots, well below the 93% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.
Health officials tracked measles in wastewater across four counties since Aug. 1, though most cases are in Multnomah County. Dr. Dean Sidelinger warned the country will likely lose its measles elimination status this fall.
Local health departments face significant strain from increased case numbers and lost funding after federal COVID-19 dollars expired. Sidelinger encourages parents who previously delayed vaccinations to consult health care providers about disease risks.
As of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,465 confirmed measles cases nationally. Sidelinger criticized federal officials for promoting what he described as "false narratives" regarding vaccine necessity.