Measles case confirmed, possible Sea-Tac Airport exposure

Associated Press

SEATTLE – King County health officials say they’ve confirmed a new measles case in a child, with possible exposures at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Public Health – Seattle & King County officials said Wednesday that the highly contagious infection likely happened while the child was traveling outside the United States.

Before the child was diagnosed, he had been on Nov. 5 near the airport’s Gate N-11 and Carousel 13 in the baggage claim area.

Health officials are advising anyone who was in that area from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. that they could have been exposed to measles.

“Most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low,” the statement said.

If people aren’t sure if they are up to date with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, health officials said they should check with their health care provider.

Measles is a potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes.

It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

Measles is contagious from about four days before through four days after the rash appears.