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Measles Exposure at Gresham Winco Foods Raises Concerns

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/19 .. sure-at-gresham-winco-foods-raises-concerns.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, March 19th 2026 at 22:25 GMT by OPB
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Gresham, OR - March 20, 2026 - Public health officials in Multnomah County have added a Gresham Winco Foods grocery store to the growing list of locations with potential measles exposure. The store, located at 1480 NW 17th Ave, is implicated in a potential exposure window spanning February 27th to March 11th, 2026, raising concerns about a resurgence of the highly contagious disease. This announcement underscores a worrying national trend of increasing measles cases, a disease previously considered largely eradicated in the United States.

"We are seeing a concerning increase in measles cases, both in Oregon and across the nation," stated Sarah Miller, spokesperson for the Multnomah County Health Department. "Measles is incredibly contagious - far more so than COVID-19 - and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It's crucial that anyone who may have been exposed monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop a rash, fever, cough, or other signs of illness."

The addition of the Winco store follows the identification of other potential exposure sites within the Portland metropolitan area, indicating a localized outbreak. However, this outbreak isn't isolated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant uptick in measles cases nationwide in early 2026, with multiple outbreaks occurring in various states, including larger clusters in communities with lower vaccination rates. Experts attribute this rise to several factors, including a decline in vaccination coverage, increased international travel, and the lingering impacts of pandemic-related disruptions to routine childhood immunizations.

Understanding the Threat: Why Measles Remains Dangerous

Measles isn't merely a childhood illness. While often mild in vaccinated individuals, it can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. One in five measles patients require hospitalization. The highly contagious nature of the virus means that 90% of people who are not immune will become infected if exposed.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early symptoms of measles, appearing 10-14 days after exposure, often mimic a common cold. These include:

• Fever (often exceeding 104?F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

The hallmark of measles is a distinctive rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downwards to the rest of the body. Small, red spots develop, eventually merging together. Koplik's spots - tiny white spots inside the mouth - also appear before the rash and are a key diagnostic indicator.

What to Do if You Think You've Been Exposed

Individuals who visited the Gresham Winco Foods between February 27th and March 11th, 2026, are strongly advised to contact their healthcare provider or the Multnomah County Health Department. Healthcare providers will assess symptoms and determine if testing is necessary. It's vital not to visit a doctor's office or emergency room without first calling, as this could potentially expose others.

Vaccination: The Best Defense

Health officials reiterate that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing over 97% protection with two doses. The CDC recommends that children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status or who were born after 1957 and haven't had measles or the MMR vaccine should also get vaccinated. Boosters may be recommended for those with waning immunity.

Looking Ahead: Public Health Response and Prevention

The Multnomah County Health Department is actively investigating the source of the current outbreak and working to contain its spread through contact tracing and vaccination efforts. They are collaborating with local healthcare providers and schools to raise awareness about measles and encourage vaccination. Nationally, the CDC is providing support to state and local health departments and monitoring the situation closely. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities from preventable diseases.