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Published on January 22, 2025
Measles Exposure Alert Issued at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Snohomish County Health Dept. Monitors Two IndividualsSource: CDC

The Snohomish County Health Department has recently confirmed that two individuals have been exposed to measles following the arrival of an infectious adult traveler at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on January 10. The exposed persons are being closely monitored for symptoms, and have been advised to quarantine and don masks in public spaces to mitigate further spread, as reported by the Snohomish County Health Department.

Health officials are actively working to inform individuals who may have been at the airport on the specified date, particularly between 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm, about the potential exposure. The S-Gate and D-Gate concourses, along with customs arrivals and baggage claim areas, were identified as the locations where exposure was most likely to have occurred. Anyone potentially exposed should be vigilant for measles symptoms from January 17 to January 31, according to the health department statements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles infection. The infectiousness of measles is particularly alarming, with a 90 percent chance of transmission to unvaccinated individuals sharing airspace with an infected person. The distinguishing rash of measles appears red and flat, often starting on the face.

Complications from measles can be severe, including high fevers, pneumonia, brain swelling, and in some cases, death. Dr. James Lewis, Snohomish County Health Officer, told the Snohomish County Health Department, "We are most concerned about people who do not have immunity from vaccination, especially young children." Furthermore, previous December reports showed measles presence in 30 states, with the majority of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.