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July 3, 2024
Possible measles exposure at multiple locations in King County
Public Health – Seattle & King County is investigating a confirmed measles case in an adult with recent international travel. The individual was at multiple locations in Bellevue, Seattle, and Woodinville while infectious, before being diagnosed with measles. Anyone who was at these locations during the time span when the individual was there on June 27th through July 2nd may have been exposed to measles.
“Measles is a very contagious infection and if you don’t yet have immunity, you can get it just by being in a room 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. Now is a good time to talk to your doctor about any vaccinations you may need which is especially important before any planned travel.”
Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against getting infected by measles and that protection lasts a lifetime.
Location of potential exposures to the public
Transmission of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, before any rash appears.
The infected individual was at several locations during a period when they were infectious but before being diagnosed with measles. The time for exposure includes the period when the individual was at the locations listed below and two hours after. Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infectious with measles leaves the area. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles:
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6/27/24 | 3:30 pm to 4 pm * | Vasa Park Resort 3560 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98008 |
| 6/28/24 | 7 pm to 11:20 pm | PRO Club Bellevue 4455 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007 |
| 6/29/24 | 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm | Café Turko 750 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103 |
| 7/1/24 | 7:20 pm to 9:45 pm | ZoomCare 17705 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 |
| 7/2/24 | 9:30 am to 2 pm | ZoomCare 17705 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 |
*Time listed includes only actual exposure time without addition of 2 hours because this was an outdoor event.
There is no ongoing risk of measles exposure at these locations.
What to do if you were in a location of potential measles exposure
Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the location of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should
- 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 by talking to your doctor.
- 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.
- Vaccination or medication can be given after exposure in some cases to prevent illness – check with your healthcare provider. This is especially important for people at high risk for measles complications.
If you were at the location at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between July 4, 2024 – July 23, 2024. People who are immuno-compromised may take longer to experience symptoms.
About measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Complications from measles can happen even in healthy people, but those at highest risk include: infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.
If you are in one of these high-risk groups and were exposed to measles at one of these locations, be sure to contact your health care provider to discuss any steps you need to take to protect yourself or loved ones against complications with measles.
The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community is to get vaccinated. Measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and that protection is long lasting.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations: kingcounty.gov/measles