Health Officials Warn of Possible Measles Exposure at Portland-Area Grocery Store

PORTLAND, Ore. (Mar. 15, 2026) — Health officials have identified another potential measles exposure site in the Portland metro area and are urging people who were at a Gresham grocery store during a specific time period to contact a health care provider about possible exposure.

The Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County public health officials said people may have been exposed to measles at WinCo Foods, located at 2511 SE 1st St. in Gresham, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.

Anyone who was at the store during that timeframe is advised to immediately contact their health care provider and inform them they may have been exposed to someone with measles. Medical providers can determine whether a person is protected based on vaccination records, age, or laboratory evidence of a previous infection.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People with measles are contagious from four days before a rash appears until four days after it develops, according to health officials. The virus can also remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Symptoms of measles typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and often start with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. In rare cases, swelling of the brain can occur, which can be life-threatening.

Health officials say measles can be especially dangerous for children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems. In developed countries, about one to three out of every 1,000 measles cases are fatal.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the virus. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and people who are up to date on their vaccinations have a very low risk of severe illness.

Public health officials are also urging people who may have measles symptoms not to show up unannounced at medical facilities. Individuals who have a rash consistent with measles or who were exposed within the past 21 days and develop symptoms such as fever, cough or red eyes should call their health care provider or urgent care clinic before arriving.

Officials say calling ahead allows medical staff to create an entry plan and help prevent possible exposure to others in waiting rooms.