Public Health has announced a confirmed case of measles in Seattle and King County at the Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport. The news release stated that the agency was notified of the outbreak on Thursday, May 10th. The individual in question traveled through Sea-Tac Airport on May 10th and 11th.
The person infected is a resident of Arizona and likely contracted measles while traveling in or on their way to Europe. Public Health also mentioned that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Those who were at Sea-Tac Airport in S Concourse (Gate S1) through Customs to International Arrivals Facility Baggage Claim (Carousel 19) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on May 10th, and at A Concourse (Gate A8) from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., May 11th may have been exposed to measles, according to Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health, who emphasized the contagious nature of measles and advised people to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed.
Officials do not know the vaccine status of the infected person, but those who may have been exposed are advised to check their vaccination history and contact a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as fever or rash within the next few days or weeks. Immuno-compromised individuals may exhibit symptoms later than usual, so it’s essential for them to take extra precautions by getting vaccinated against measles as soon as possible.
To find more information on measles and how to protect yourself from it, visit King County’s website for resources and guidance on how to stay safe during this outbreak.
Julia Dallas, a content editor at MyNorthwest provided this information for readers.
In summary, Seattle and King County have reported a confirmed case of measles at Sea-Tac Airport, which could have put many travelers at risk of exposure due to its contagious nature
