Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Visitors Urged to Verify Measles Immunization Following Confirmed Case
Seattle, WA – Public health officials in King County are advising travelers who recently visited Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (seatac) to review their measles vaccination status after a confirmed case was identified.The individual, whose details have not been released, was at the airport on December 2, 2024, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus.
This alert comes as health authorities work to contain potential spread and prevent further cases, especially as the holiday travel season approaches. Measles, while preventable with vaccination, can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The King County health department is actively investigating the case and conducting contact tracing to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status or have not received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are urged to contact their healthcare provider.
According to King County Public Health,the risk to the general public remains low,but the airport is a high-traffic area,increasing the possibility of transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for most individuals. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that typically appears 14-18 days after exposure.
For more information, the public can visit the King County measles webpage.
