SEATTLE — There are two new measles cases in King County, after Public Health – Seattle & King County confirmed that a child and their adult family member have the virus.
Health officials say the two live in the same household and visited multiple locations throughout the county while they were infectious.
The two were likely exposed while hosting an international visitor who reported feeling ill, Public Health – Seattle & King County wrote in a release. The visitor has since left the county and their measles status is unclear.
The child had one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, but the adult’s vaccination status is unknown.
Health officials said the two new cases are unrelated to previous measles cases announced in the region. With these two cases, there have now been 10 confirmed cases of measles in Washington state.
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“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,” said Meagan Kay, a medical epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The CDC now recommends that anyone traveling internationally ensure they’re fully vaccinated against measles prior to their trip.”
“Vaccination will not only protect you but will also make you less likely to spread it to others if you develop measles,” Kay added. “Make sure to get vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip. This gives your body a chance to build immunity.”
Locations of potential exposure
Health officials warned that measles can spread before infected people are aware that they have the disease or develop a rash.
The people with measles cases visited the following public locations:
- 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
What should you do if you were in a location of a potential measles exposure?
Luckily, most people in western Washington have immunity to measles through vaccination. Health officials said that means the risk to the public is low.
If you were in the exposure areas at the listed times, public health said you should first check your MMR vaccination records.
If you develop an illness with a fever or unexplained rash, call a healthcare provider immediately. Officials said to call before going to a clinic or hospital to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.
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.
Those who are immunocompromised may take longer than that date range to experience symptoms.
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About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease, causing fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If one person contracts measles, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The disease mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
People infected with measles are contagious four days before the rash starts through four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about seven to 10 days, and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 10-14 days (with a range of seven to 21 days.) People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash. Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.
Healthy people can experience complications from measles, but those at highest risk include infants and children under five years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination offers safe, effective measles protection.
To prevent measles, Providence Swedish strongly recommends that everyone receive the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and providing long-lasting protection.