Oregon has reported 45 confirmed measles cases since the start of 2026, surpassing the previous peak year. Most cases have been reported in Multnomah County, but public health officials have tracked measles in the wastewater of at least four other counties, including Washington, Polk, Marion, and Klamath.

Local Health Departments Strained

Local health departments are feeling the strain of more measles cases, as many lost funding following the expiration of federal COVID-19 dollars. The Oregon Health Authority implemented changes to its measles investigation guidelines to reduce the burden on local health departments.

The changes allow local health departments to focus less on the active monitoring of cases and finding the source of infection. Measles was declared “eliminated” from the United States since 2000, but that status is now at risk due to the surge in cases.

Federal Response Criticized

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer and epidemiologist for the Oregon Health Authority, criticized federal officials for minimizing the need for vaccines and promoting false narratives. The Trump administration overhauled the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, and the CDC cut back on recommendations for childhood vaccines.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order recommending separating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three different shots. Dr. Sidelinger encouraged parents who initially held off on the measles vaccine for their children to talk to their healthcare providers again, citing the safety of the vaccine and the risk of potential exposure to measles.

Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.