Two new measles cases confirmed in King County, WA

2 new measles cases confirmed in King County

King County health officials said two people were recently diagnosed with measles after international travel, and visited several places in Kirkland, Seattle and Bellevue while infectious.

SEATTLE - Health officials have confirmed two new cases of measles in King County, Washington, connected to cases of international travel.

These newest cases reflect a larger spike in measles cases across Washington, and the U.S.

According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, two adults were diagnosed with measles this week. Officials believe they may have exposed others to the virus around the Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue areas.

Public Health was alerted to the two measles cases on Monday.

The two cases likely contracted measles while traveling abroad, then returned to King County and visited several locations while infectious. Officials say the two's MMR vaccination status is unknown.

"As we start traveling more during spring and summer months, we need to prepare for more potential exposure to measles, which is spreading in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a preventable disease that can cause some serious complications, like swelling of the brain," said Public Health director Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano. "Before you travel, check with your provider to make sure you and your family have had two doses of MMR vaccine or otherwise have immunity."

These latest cases push Washington's measles infections to 31 this year alone, including an outbreak in Snohomish County in January.

Where measles exposure occurred in WA

What we know:

Health officials say the two visited the following locations:

• Vovina, 15 Lake St S, Kirkland WA 98033; March 21 6:30–9:30 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 11.
• Ristorante Paradiso, 120 Park Ln, Kirkland WA 98033; March 21 7:45–11:45 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 11.
• Kaiser Permanente Bellevue Urgent Care; 11511 NE 10th St, Bellevue WA 98004; March 24 8:00 p.m.–March 25 2:00 a.m. — watch for symptoms until April 14.
• Kaiser Permanente Bellevue Urgent Care; March 26 6:45 p.m.–March 27 2:30 a.m. — watch for symptoms until April 17.
• Northcut Landing Building, UW Medicine third floor Urgent Care; 4915 25th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105; March 28 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 18.
• University of Washington Medical Center Montlake; 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle WA 98195; March 28 1:00–10:30 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 18.
• Overlake Medical Center Emergency Department, 1035 116th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98004; March 28 4:15–8:15 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 18
• UW Medicine Northwest Hospital, fifth floor, 1550 N 115th St, Seattle WA 98133; March 28 11:45 p.m.–March 30 8:00 p.m. — watch for symptoms until April 20
• University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest Emergency Department, 1550 N 115th St, Seattle WA 98133; March 28 11:30 p.m.–March 29 2:00 a.m. — watch for symptoms until April 19.

If you were at the following locations and times and are not immune to measles, you will likely become sick between March 28–April 20.

What you can do:

People with measles can spread the virus before even knowing they have it. If you are exposed, health officials say you should get the MMR vaccine, which can prevent illness even within 72 hours of exposure.

If you have symptoms of measles, such as a rash, you are urged to call your doctor immediately. Before going to a clinic, health officials say to call ahead and notify them of your condition.

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