Measles Cases Rise in King County, Public Health Warns
Public health officials in Seattle are alerting the public about a recent uptick in measles cases. Two new infections have been confirmed, prompting warnings about potential exposure at various locations throughout the county. Officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.
New Cases Confirmed
Officials from Public Health – Seattle & King County have reported two new measles cases. The affected individuals, a child and an adult family member, reside in the same household. These individuals visited multiple locations in King County while contagious, raising concerns about potential exposure to the public.
According to health officials, the initial exposure likely stemmed from an international visitor who reported feeling ill. This visitor has since left the county, and their measles status remains unknown. The child had received one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, while the adult’s vaccination status is unconfirmed.
Potential Exposure Locations
The infected individuals visited several public locations. Anyone who was at these locations during the listed times should check their MMR vaccination records. If you develop a fever or unexplained rash, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
- June 14, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Bellevue Fire Station 9
- June 15, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Parish
- June 15, 2-5 p.m. – Lake Union Swim Academy
- June 18, 1-4 p.m. – Mary Wayte Pool
- June 18, 2:30-5:30 p.m. – Costco Issaquah
- June 19, 1:20-4:20 p.m. – Overlake Clinics Newcastle Urgent Care
- June 20, 11:50 a.m.-2 p.m. – Forest B parking garage, nearby elevators, level 1 lobby, and pharmacy at Seattle Children’s Hospital
- June 20, 12-2:05 p.m. – Emergency department lobby at Seattle Children’s Hospital
- June 20, 3:40-5:45 p.m. – Emergency department at Seattle Children’s Hospital
Expert Advice
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now advises anyone traveling internationally to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before their trip, stated by Meagan Kay, a medical epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. She also added the importance of getting vaccinated at least two weeks prior to travel to allow your body to build immunity.
“With more measles cases globally and in the U.S., if you are planning to travel, make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations,”
—Meagan Kay, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County
Measles is a highly contagious disease, with a single infected person capable of infecting up to nine out of ten unvaccinated people nearby. Vaccination offers safe and effective protection against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine being about 97% effective (CDC, 2024).
What to do
If you were in the exposure areas, public health says you could become sick between June 21 and July 13. Those who are immunocompromised might take longer to show symptoms.
If you are not up to date on vaccinations and were at any of the locations at the times listed, public health said you would become sick between June 21 and July 13.