Confirmed measles case traveled through Sea-Tac Airport, stayed overnight in Tukwila

A confirmed case of measles has emerged involving a Canadian resident who passed through Sea-Tac Airport and stayed at a Tukwila hotel on April 6 and 7, 2025. The individual is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling internationally, and their vaccination status remains unknown. Elysia Gonzales, a Medical Epidemiologist, highlighted the urgency of checking vaccination statuses due to increasing measles cases worldwide. Measles is exceptionally contagious, with potential exposure occurring even before symptoms manifest. Those who visited the affected locations are urged to determine their immunity and contact healthcare providers if they experience fever or an unexplained rash.

The measles vaccine is highly effective, offering approximately 97% protection after two doses, which last a lifetime. Public health officials stress the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations. The risk to the general public is deemed low, given that most individuals in the area are vaccinated.