Possible measles exposure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Public Health – Seattle and King County was recently notified of a confirmed measles case in a person who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last week.

According to the agency, an adult from Alaska was at Sea-Tac Airport on January 10, and was likely exposed to measles while traveling abroad. The person's vaccine 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."

Timeline:

Public Health says the individual arrived at the S Concourse (Gate S8), went through International Arrivals and Customs Baggage Claim (Carousel 21), and exited via a connection in the D Concourse (Gate D7). They were at the airport from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you were at the listed Sea-Tac Airport locations during that timeframe and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between January 17 – January 31.

Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infected leaves the area. Transmission can occur before people know they have the disease, before a rash appears.

Public Health – Seattle and King County recommends the following to avoid a measles infection, and what to do if you might be infected:

  • Make sure you are up-to-date with the recommended number of measles vaccinations. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against getting infected, and that protection lasts a lifetime.
  • Call a healthcare provider if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash.
  • Do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be checked for measles after an exposure, and avoid coming into contact with others.

Measles symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Ear infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation)

Those at highest risk include infants and children under five years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying diseases.

If you are in one of these high-risk groups, contact your health care provider to discuss any steps you need to take to protect yourself or loved ones against complications with measles.

More information about measles can be found on the Public Health website.

The Source: Information in this story is from Public Health – Seattle and King County.

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