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January 17, 2025

Measles case at Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) Airport

Actions requested

  • About

    • Be aware of a confirmed measles case in an adult who traveled internationally and spent time while infectious at SEA Airport on January 10, 2025. 
      • Secondary cases could occur between January 17–January 31, 2025.

  • Isolate

    • Have a planned triage process for patients with fever and rash so they are not waiting in common areas with other people. 
    • Patients with rash and fever should not remain in waiting rooms or other common areas. 
    • Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) or a private room with a closed door. 
    • Follow standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspected cases, regardless of vaccination status.
    • After patient is discharged, do not use or have staff enter the room for 2 hours.

  • Notify

    • Report suspected measles cases to Public Health at 206-296-4774 immediately AND before discharging or transferring patients.

  • Test

    • Collect the following specimens on patients with suspected measles:
      • Nasopharyngeal swab placed in viral transport media; AND
      • Urine, minimum 20mL, in sterile leak proof container; AND
      • Serum, minimum 1mL, in red top or red-grey top tube
    • Public Health will facilitate diagnostic testing with Washington State Public Health Laboratory (WAPHL).

  • Manage

    • Healthcare facilities should identify potentially exposed persons at the facility (patients, visitors, staff and volunteers). 
    • Public Health will identify close contacts and recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for eligible people.

  • Vaccinate

Background

Public Health was notified of a case of measles in an adult U.S. resident (not a Washington State resident) with unknown vaccination history and with exposure during international travel. The case was at the following locations during their infectious period before receiving the diagnosis of measles.

Date Time Location
1/10/25 Approximately
2:30 pm to 8 pm

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

  • S Concourse (Gate S8)
  • Customs to International Arrivals Facility Baggage Claim (Carousel 21)
  • Central Terminal (Gate D7)

Measles illness begins with prodrome of fever, cough, coryza and conjunctivitis (typically lasting 2-4 days) and then a generalized maculopapular rash that typically begins on the face/head then spreads to the neck, trunk and extremities. Increases in measles cases and outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world. CDC recommends that all U.S. residents aged 6 months and older without evidence of immunity who plan to travel internationally, receive MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

Resources

This advisory is also available in PDF format (197 KB)

For healthcare providers

For infection preventionists

For laboratories

For general public and international travelers

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