Measles Case In King County, Possible Exposures At Sea-Tac

SEATTLE — Public health officials are monitoring a recent measles case diagnosed in a King County boy and flagging potential exposures at Sea-Tac Airport, officials announced Wednesday.

In a news release, Public Health - Seattle & King County said the infection likely happened while the boy was traveling outside the United States. Since transmission can occur before people know they are infected, officials are alerting the public of a short window of time at the airport where they may have been exposed:

Potential measles exposures:
Date: 11/5/20
Time: 10 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Locations: Sea-Tac Airport — North Satellite (Gate N-11) to Baggage Claim (Carousel 13)

Officials said the timeframe includes when the boy was at the airport and the two hours following, since that is how long the virus can remain in the air after an infected person leaves the area.

"Measles outbreaks continue to circulate in many areas of the world," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for King County. "As long as people travel, no community is safe from measles introductions. [The] measles vaccine is safe, effective, and offers excellent protection. If you aren't sure if you're up to date with the recommended doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), see your health care provider and get a dose of MMR if needed."

Duchin said the current public health crisis makes it all the more necessary to guard against preventable illnesses.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to stay up-to-date on all scheduled vaccinations for children, so we don't lose important community protections against other serious infections."

What to do you you are exposed to measles

Officials said the overall risk to the public is low since most people have immunity through vaccination. However, anyone who traveled through the airport during the time of exposure should take the following steps:

• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up-to-date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
• Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.
• Vaccination or medication can be given after exposure in some cases to prevent illness – check with your healthcare provider. This is especially important for people at high risk for measles complications.

Measles symptoms and complications

• Measles is highly contagious and can be severe.
• Symptoms can include a fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes.
• The virus usually spreads through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• The illness is contagious from four days before a rash appears until about four days after.
• More serious complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and sometimes brain inflammation.
• The highest risk groups are infants, children under 5, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
• Find more information on measles in King County online.