Oregon Reports 50 Measles Cases, Highest in 30 Years as Vaccine Exemptions Hit 10.9%
Updated
Updated · Statesman Journal · Sep 2
Oregon Reports 50 Measles Cases, Highest in 30 Years as Vaccine Exemptions Hit 10.9%
3 articles · Updated · Statesman Journal · Sep 2
Summary
Oregon has confirmed 50 measles cases in 2026 — the most in more than 30 years — with the latest exposures reported Sept. 1 at two Portland hospitals.
State health officials tied the surge to falling vaccination coverage, online vaccine misinformation and a record 10.9% nonmedical exemption rate for required kindergarten shots in 2025-26.
Kindergarten vaccination compliance fell to 85.6% from 88.4% in 2021-22, and Oregon has logged at least one measles case every month since its first case in January.
Two of the 50 cases have led to hospitalization, underscoring officials' warning that a disease once eliminated can return as immunization rates erode.