Translate
Potential exposure to measles from traveler at Seattle – Tacoma International Airport
Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified yesterday, January 15, of a confirmed measles case in an adult who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on January 10, 2025, while infectious. The individual is a resident of Alaska 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.”
Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against getting infected by measles and that protection lasts a lifetime.
Locations of potential exposure to the public
Transmission of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, before any rash appears.
The infected individual was at the following public locations before being diagnosed with measles. These times include the period when the individual was at the location and two hours after. Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infectious with measles leaves the area. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles:
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1/10/25 | Approximately 2:30 pm to 8 pm |
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, S Concourse (Gate S8), to International Arrivals Facility through Customs, Baggage Claim (Carousel 21), then exiting to connect at D Concourse (Gate D7) |
What to do if you were in a location of potential measles exposure
Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:
- 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 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 checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.
If you were at the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between January 17, 2025 – January 31, 2025. People who are immuno-compromised may take longer to experience symptoms.