Measles case confirmed in traveler in Seattle

SEATTLE – King County’s public health department has confirmed a case of measles in an adult traveler who caught the disease in another country.

The ill traveler flew to Seattle on Alaska Airlines Flight 399 on Friday and promptly sought medical attention, the health department said.

The risk to the public is considered low because the infected traveler visited only a small number of public areas, including the airport and the Warwick Hotel.

Most King County residents born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger people are routinely vaccinated against measles.

“If you aren’t immune to the measles and were in a location where the infected person was while contagious, it’s important that you contact your health care provider,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin of the health department.