Infant with measles may have exposed others recently at Sea-Tac Airport, Childrens Hospital

Washington state has reported its fifth measles case of the year, involving an unvaccinated infant from King County. The child was likely exposed to the virus during recent international travel and may have exposed others at Sea-Tac Airport and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Health officials stress the need for vaccinations, particularly for travelers, as measles outbreaks occur globally. The infant visited areas where the measles virus can persist for up to two hours, prompting officials to encourage individuals in those locations to check their vaccination status. Symptoms for those without immunity may develop between April 22 and May 11.

Measles is highly contagious, with serious complications possible, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% lifetime protection with two doses. For further information, vaccination resources are available at kingcounty. gov/measles.