Were you at Sea-Tac Airport last week? Public Health reports potential measles exposure
Apr 18, 2025, 12:08 PM
The Seatte-Tacoma International Airport. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Public Health – Seattle and King County reported a confirmed measles case in a Canadian resident, according to a news release from the Snohomish County Health Department last week.
Health officials stated the individual traveled through the Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) Airport and stayed overnight at a nearby hotel on April 6 and 7.
The person went from the airport’s S Concourse (Gate S10), to the International Arrivals Facility through Customs, baggage claim (Carousel 20), and exited the airport through Gina Marie Hall (southernmost exit, near international airlines) from around 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 6.
From 8:45 p.m. on April 6 to 7 a.m. on April 7, the person was at the Comfort Suites Tukwila Airport on Fun Center Way. Then on April 7, from 4:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., the person was back at Sea-Tac Airport, S Concourse (Gate S1).
The Snohomish County Health Department noted these times account for two hours before and after the person was at the locations because the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.
Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle and King County, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated.
“Measles is highly contagious and if you don’t have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been,” Gonzales said via the news release. “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.”
Snohomish County Health Dept. lists measles symptoms
RELATED STORIES
Symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Anyone who may have been potentially exposed would find out if they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations and call a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms. Health officials added that people should not go to a clinic or hospital without first calling them and letting the office know they want to be checked for measles.
Those exposed would become sick anytime between April 13 and April 28.
Earlier this month, a measles case was confirmed in an infant in Snohomish County who was also believed to have been exposed while traveling abroad.
Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.
