Measles Exposure Warning at Seattle Airport

A confirmed case of measles has been reported in an Alaska resident who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on January 10 while infectious. Public Health — Seattle & King County has warned that travelers in specific areas of the airport during that time may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. The infected individual, who is unvaccinated, likely contracted the disease while abroad and was also infectious on an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Anchorage the same day. Health officials emphasize the importance of checking vaccination status, as those who are up-to-date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have about 97% protection against the disease. Symptoms of measles can develop between January 17 and January 31 for those exposed, and individuals are advised to contact healthcare providers if they develop symptoms. The risk to the general public is considered low due to high vaccination rates in the area, but caution is advised for those potentially exposed.