Health & Fitness

Man With Measles Was At Sea-Tac, Other Exposures Possible

King County health officials are warning local residents who may have come into contact with the man.

SEATAC, WA - A man with a confirmed case of measles recently traveled through Sea-Tac Airport, and health officials are warning other travelers may have exposed to the highly contagious disease. The traveler flew to Sea-Tac from Asia, according to health officials.

The man, who lives in King County, was wearing a surgical-type mask when he arrived at Sea-Tac. That protection may have helped limit any spread of measles, according to health officials.

"Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It is mainly spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes," King County Public Health wrote in a bulletin about the measles case.

Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash."

Here's where the measles patient traveled in the area:

Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Sea-Tac Airport, international arrival area, customs/immigration, and the baggage claim area during this time period: Aug. 21, 12:45 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
  • Harborview Medical Center Emergency Department: Aug. 21, 2:20 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

If you think you were exposed or are experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention.

CAPTION: In this photo illustration, vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on Jan. 26, 2015 in Mill Valley, California. An outbreak of measles in California has grown to 68 cases with 48 of the cases being linked to people who had visited Disneyland.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Across Washington