Snohomish County, Washington — The Snohomish County Health Department reported Tuesday that at least two people have been infected with the measles virus.
The Snohomish County positive case comes a week after Seattle-King County Public Health announced a confirmed measles case in an adult who traveled through Seattle-Tuck Airport while suffering from an infectious disease.
SCHD said it is working with those exposed and closely monitoring their symptoms. The two infected people were advised to isolate as much as possible and wear masks in public, SCHD said.
Related: Measles infection confirmed in Alaska resident who traveled through Seattle-Tuck Airport
“Anyone who was at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport between 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on January 10 may have been exposed to measles,” SCHD wrote in a press release. “Infected individuals were at S Gate Concourse, D Gate Concourse, Customs Arrival, and Baggage Claim. If you become infected from this exposure, you are most likely to become ill from January 17, 2025 to January Until 31st, 2025.
What to do if you are in an area where you may be exposed to measles
Public Health – Seattle and King County said most people in the region have immunity to measles through vaccination. Therefore, the risk to the general public is low. However, according to the Department of Public Health, anyone who was in an area where they may have been exposed to measles during the listed times should:
- Check if you have been vaccinated against measles or have had measles before. Keep up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
- If you become ill with a fever or an unexplained rash, contact your health care provider right away. To avoid potentially spreading measles to others, do not go to a doctor’s office or hospital after getting measles without first calling and telling them you want to be tested for measles. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those who are immunocompromised.
“Our greatest concern is for people who do not have immunity from vaccination, especially young children. Measles is highly contagious and in severe cases can cause high fever, pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain damage. can cause swelling and even death,” said Dr. James Lewis, Snohomish County Health Officer. “As of December of this year, measles cases had been reported in 30 states, including Washington state, and 80% of cases were in people without known vaccination.”
