SEATTLE, Wash. — Potential exposure to measles from traveler at Seattle – Tacoma International Airport
If you were traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on January 10, you may have been exposed to the measles.
Public Health – Seattle & King County says someone with the illness traveled through the airport between 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. If you were in the following areas during that time, you may have been exposed:
· S Concourse, Gate S8
· International Arrivals Facility through Customs
· Baggage Claim, Carousel 21
· D Concourse, Gate D7
If you were at the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, health officials say you’d most likely become sick between January 17 and 31.
“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.”
Health officials say the transmission of measles can occur before people know they have the disease and before any rash appears. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infected leaves the area
Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of the confirmed measles case on January 15.
Health officials say it’s an adult from Alaska. Their vaccine status is unknown.
Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective. Health officials say two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection.
What to do if you were exposed
· 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 if you develop an illness with a 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 exposure.
About the measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Health officials say if a single person has it, it can spread to nine out of the ten people nearby if they aren’t vaccinated.
It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure and someone who has it is contagious from about four days before the rash appears through four days after it appears.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis- or brain inflammation.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations, click here.