Measles case confirmed in Alaska resident who traveled through Sea-Tac airport

SEATAC, Wash. — Public Health – Seattle & King County were notified Wednesday of a confirmed measles case in an adult who traveled through Sea-Tac airport last week while infectious.

Public Health said the person is a resident of Alaska and was likely exposed to measles while traveling abroad. Public Health also noted their vaccine status is unknown.

“Measles is highly contagious, and if you don’t have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been,” said Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’ve seen an increase in measles cases around the world and in the U.S., so it’s an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren’t protected.”

The measles vaccine is very effective, and according to Public Health, two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against getting infected by measles, and that protection lasts a lifetime.

“The infected individual was at the following public locations before being diagnosed with measles. These times include the period when the individual was at the location and two hours after. Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infectious with measles leaves the area,” wrote Public Health – Seattle & King County in a media release.

Public Health – Seattle & King County said anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, S Concourse (Gate S8), to International Arrivals Facility through Customs, Baggage Claim (Carousel 21), then exiting to connect at D Concourse (Gate D7) between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“If you were at the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between January 17, 2025 – January 31, 2025,” wrote Public Health. “People who are immuno-compromised may take longer to experience symptoms.”

What to do if you were in a location of potential measles exposure

Public Health said most people in the area have immunity to measles through vaccination. Therefore, the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should do the following, according to Public Health:

• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up-to-date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
• Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.