The Seattle-King County Public Health Department has confirmed that an adult has measles and may have spread the disease to others.
The individual posed a public health risk because he was at multiple locations in Bellevue, Seattle and Woodinville between June 27 and July 2 before being contagious and diagnosed. “Measles is a highly contagious infection, and if you don’t have immunity, you can catch it just by being in a room with someone who has measles,” Dr. Eric Chou, infectious disease chief for Seattle-King County Public Health, said in a news release.
“With measles cases increasing around the world and in the U.S., it’s important to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” Chou said. Getting vaccinated is especially important if you’re planning on traveling; the person who contracted measles had just returned from traveling abroad.
The measles vaccine is highly effective, and two doses of the measles, rubella and mumps (MMR) vaccine provide about 97% protection for life, Chou noted.
Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Anyone who was in these locations on these dates and times could have been infected with measles.
● June 27: 3:30-4 p.m., Vasa Park Resort, 3560 West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, Bellevue.
● June 28: 7 to 11:20 p.m., PRO Club Bellevue, 4455 148th Ave. NE, Bellevue.
● June 29: 6:30-9:45 p.m., Café Turko, 750 N. 34th St., Seattle.
● July 1: 7:20-9:45 p.m., ZoomCare, 17705 140th Ave. NE No. A18, Woodinville.
● July 2: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., ZoomCare, 17705 140th Ave. NE No. A18, Woodinville.
There is no ongoing risk of infection in these locations. However, if you think you may be infected, check whether you have been vaccinated against measles or have had measles before. If you develop symptoms such as a fever or an unexplained rash, seek medical attention immediately. However, to avoid spreading measles to others, before going to a clinic or hospital, call first to tell them you would like to be tested for measles and that you may be infected. Even if you think you may be infected, you may be able to receive vaccinations or medication to prevent the disease.
Do not take measles lightly. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Measles is primarily transmitted through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. In rare cases, it can cause ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and even encephalitis. Complications can occur in healthy people, but those most at risk are infants and children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems due to medications or underlying illnesses.
The best prevention is vaccination.
Local public health officials last month confirmed the first measles case of the year in a King County resident in a child who had not received the MMR vaccine and had traveled internationally.
The risk of measles infection among the general population is still low because most people in the region have immunity through vaccination. But since the pandemic began, vaccination rates among kindergartners in King County have dropped from 94% in the 2021-22 school year to 92% in the 2023-24 school year. In some schools, vaccination rates have dropped to as low as 36%, Chou said.
Material from the Seattle Times archives was used in this report.