Measles Exposure Linked to Oregon City ER Visit; Behavioral Health Grant and Animal Shelter Reopenings Mark Busy Week

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Portland, OR – March 9, 2026 – A measles exposure tied to a Providence ER visit, a new behavioral health grant, and a shelter reopening lead local health news.

Health officials are urging caution after confirming a measles exposure in the Portland metro area, tied to a recent emergency department visit in Oregon City. The alert comes as regional providers announce new behavioral health funding and Multnomah County reopens its animal shelter following a disease-related quarantine.

Measles Exposure at Providence Willamette Falls

The Oregon Health Authority and Clackamas County Public Health said people may have been exposed to measles in the emergency department waiting room at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City late Wednesday, Feb. 25 into early Thursday, Feb. 26.

According to state officials, the exposure window was between 9:57 p.m. and 12:22 a.m. Measles spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves an area.

Health authorities advised anyone who was in the waiting room during that time to contact a healthcare provider to review vaccination records or other evidence of immunity. They also asked people with possible symptoms or known exposure to call ahead before seeking in-person care, to help limit additional exposures in clinical settings.

$1.25 Million Grant to Expand Behavioral Health Support for Older Adults

Portland State University announced that the PSU-OHSU Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging received a three-year, $1.25 million award from the U.S. Administration on Community Living.

The funding is intended to expand a chronic disease self-management education program tailored for older adults who are also navigating behavioral health conditions, including depression and substance use disorders. University leaders said the goal is to strengthen evidence-based support for older Oregonians and extend services statewide.

Local health leaders have frequently cited workforce shortages and uneven access as barriers for older adults seeking integrated medical and behavioral health services.

Animal Shelter Reopens After Illness Outbreak

Multnomah County Animal Services reported that the Oregon Department of Agriculture has lifted a quarantine imposed Feb. 12 after an outbreak linked to Streptococcus zooepidemicus at the shelter.

The county said two dogs died before the quarantine began, and one additional dog was euthanized due to declining health with similar symptoms on the day the quarantine started. No further unassisted deaths were reported after containment measures were put in place.

The shelter has now resumed full operations, including dog adoptions and standard intake services.

What Residents Should Know

Residents who were at the Oregon City emergency department during the specified timeframe should review their vaccination status with a healthcare provider. Families with questions about immunizations can check official state and county public health guidance.

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.