Public Health—Seattle & King County has confirmed another positive case of measles in King County, marking Washington's fifth confirmed measles case of the year. This latest case involves an infant who traveled through Sea-Tac Airport and visited specific locations at Seattle Children’s Hospital while infectious. The infant is believed to have contracted the virus during recent international travel and had not yet received the measles vaccination.
According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, this infant's case is not linked to any of the previously reported measles cases in the region. Of the five confirmed cases this year, this incident marks the third case involving infant exposure to the disease. Additionally, health officials have responded to two other measles cases involving individuals who traveled through King County but are not residents of Washington state.
Elysia Gonzales, a Medical Epidemiologist with Public Health – Seattle & King County, highlighted that measles outbreaks are occurring worldwide. For those planning international travel, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider regarding necessary vaccinations. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first between 12-15 months of age and the second between 4-6 years of age. Infants aged 6-11 months should receive an early dose if traveling internationally. It's also advisable for adults to verify their immunity to measles.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has identified several locations where the public may have been exposed to measles during the infant's infectious period. These potential exposure sites include:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on April 15 from 4:50 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 17 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Emergency department lobby) Seattle Children’s Hospital again on April 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. (Forest B level 1 lobby and Forest Pharmacy) Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 18 from 11:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 20 from 12:05 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.Those who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe health complications. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The disease spreads through the air, particularly after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. Notably, up to 90% of individuals who are not protected may become infected if they are in close contact with an infected person. Symptoms typically manifest 7 to 21 days following exposure, with contagiousness beginning approximately 4 days before the rash appears and continuing for 4 days after.
Measles can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death. While complications can occur in healthy individuals, those at the highest risk include infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems due to medications or underlying health conditions.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing approximately 97% protection against measles after two doses. For further information on measles and vaccination guidelines, please visit your local health department's website or consult your healthcare provider.
