Measles outbreak reported in Seattle and King County
Public Health officials in Seattle and King County have announced a confirmed case of measles at the Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport. The individual, who is a resident of Arizona, is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling in or on their way to Europe.
According to the agency’s news release, the infected person traveled through Sea-Tac Airport on May 10 and 11. Those who were at Sea-Tac Airport in the S Concourse (Gate S1) through Customs to International Arrivals Facility Baggage Claim (Carousel 19) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on May 10, and at the A Concourse (Gate A8) from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 11 may have been exposed to the virus.
Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health, emphasized the contagious nature of measles and advised people to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed. Officials do not know the vaccine status of the infected person, but anyone who may have been exposed is advised to check their vaccination history and contact a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as fever or rash. To prevent spreading measles, infected individuals should call the clinic before arriving and limit contact with others.
Symptoms for those without immunity may appear between May 17 and June 1. Immuno-compromised individuals may exhibit symptoms at a later time
