Public Health – Seattle & King County announced Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 that a confirmed case of measles has been identified in an adult who passed through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) while infectious on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
The individual, an Alaska resident, is believed to have contracted measles while traveling abroad. The person’s vaccination status is unknown.
“Measles is highly contagious, and if you don’t have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been,” said Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’ve seen an increase in measles cases around the world and in the U.S., so it’s an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren’t protected.”
The infected individual visited the following locations at SEA during the potential exposure period:
- Date/time: Friday, Jan. 10, 2025: Approximately 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Areas: S Concourse (Gate S8), International Arrivals Facility through Customs, Baggage Claim (Carousel 21), and D Concourse (Gate D7).
According to public health officials, the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
What to Do if You Were Exposed
Public health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public is low due to high vaccination rates in the region. However, individuals who were in the affected areas at the specified times should:
- Check Immunity: Verify vaccination status or prior measles infection. Ensure you are up-to-date on the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms: Contact a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or an unexplained rash. To avoid spreading the virus, call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital.
- Monitor Symptoms: Those exposed who are not immune should be alert for symptoms of measles between January 17 and January 31, 2025. Immunocompromised individuals may experience symptoms later.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Symptoms typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash.
Measles can cause complications, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis. High-risk groups include young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The MMR vaccine remains the most effective prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses provide 97% protection against measles and offer lifelong immunity.
For more information about measles and vaccination, visit www.kingcounty.gov/measles.
Recent Comments