Infant measles case confirmed in King County; 5th in Washington this year – KOMO
2025-04-22T23:48:24Z
Public Health – Seattle & King County confirmed another positive measles case in King County Friday, marking Washington’s fifth measles case of the year.
Public Health—Seattle & King County confirmed another positive measles case in King County on Friday, marking Washington’s fifth measles case of the year.
Public health said the infant traveled through Sea-Tac airport and was present at certain Seattle Children’s Hospital locations while infectious.
Public health also noted the infant was likely exposed to measles during recent international travel, and it had not yet been vaccinated.
The infant’s case is not connected to any of the previously reported cases, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. Of the now five confirmed measles cases that have been reported, this one is the third reported infant exposure.
Public Health – Seattle & King County said it also responded to two other measles cases this year among people who traveled through King County but are not Washington state residents.
Measles outbreaks are happening in every part of the world,” said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “If you are planning international travel, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about what vaccines may be needed. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles
Public Health—Seattle & King County said the public may have been exposed to measles at several locations during the infant’s infectious period. Potential exposure sites include the following:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on April 15 from 4:50 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 17 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Emergency department lobby)
Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 17 again from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. (Forest B level 1 lobby and Forest Pharmacy)
Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 18 from 11:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Seattle Children’s Hospital on April 20 from 12:05 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.
Public Health – Seattle & King County advises anyone who was at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
About measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.
Complications from measles can happen even in healthy people, but those at highest risk include: infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against measles. For more information on measles and vaccinations, visit
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