Oregon Tracks Aug. 18 Measles Exposure at Canby Rodeo, Urges MMR Checks

Q: Could a brief visit to the Canby Rodeo leave you with a contagious virus that secretly erases your immune system's memory?

Yes—if you were at the Canby Rodeo during the exposure window and were not immune, even a brief visit could have exposed you to measles, a highly contagious airborne virus. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, so short time in an enclosed or crowded area can be enough. The “immune system memory” part is also real, but only if you actually become infected. Researchers have found that measles can damage memory B and T cells, which help the body remember past infections and vaccines. This effect, often called “immune amnesia,” can leave someone more vulnerable to other illnesses for months and in some cases longer. It does not happen merely from exposure; it is linked to getting measles. For most people, the practical question is immunity. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective, and people with two valid doses generally do not need a booster. If you are unsure of your records, health officials say getting an extra MMR dose is generally safe. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure may still help, and some high-risk people may qualify for immune globulin within six days. Anyone at the rodeo between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Aug. 18 should monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Measles usually starts 7 to 21 days after exposure with fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downward. If symptoms develop, call ahead before seeking care so you do not expose others.

3 articles · Updated · KATU · Aug 27

Oregon health officials said anyone at the Canby Rodeo on Aug. 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. may have been exposed to measles and should review immunity status.
MMR vaccination is being urged for people who are not immune, while all potentially exposed attendees are advised to watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure, and officials told people to call a doctor before visiting a clinic if they develop a measles-like rash or other symptoms.
Measles can lead to ear and lung infections, diarrhea and, rarely, brain swelling, with infants, young children, older adults, pregnant people and immunocompromised people facing higher risk.

Sources

KATU54d ago

Oregon Health Officials Track Measles Exposure at Canby Rodeo, Urge Immunity Checks

Yahoo! Voices55d ago

Canby Rodeo identified as measles exposure location, health officials say

Yahoo! Voices55d ago

Oregon Health Authority Confirms Measles Exposure at Canby Rodeo on August 18

8 Sources

With the measles virus lingering airborne, are unvaccinated Clackamas County Fairgrounds attendees already spreading a silent, life-threatening disease?

Could a brief visit to the Canby Rodeo leave you with a contagious virus that secretly erases your immune system's memory?