In coordination with three regional county public health agencies, the Washington State Department of Health announced four new diagnosed measles cases in the region, with all recently diagnosed individuals having spent time at Sea-Tac Airport in May.
The state and county public health agencies are conducting investigations into the cases, making contacts with any tenants, businesses or staff to pass on all relevant information for those potentially involved.
Recently diagnosed individuals traveled through Sea-Tac Airport between May 6-10. Specific areas at the 1st floor and 8th floor of the parking garage, skybridges 1 and 5, orange elevators, terminal to baggage claim area.
Per the King County update:
Most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed below should:
- Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously
- Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles
- Vaccination or medication can be given after exposure in some cases to prevent illness – check with your healthcare provider. This is especially important for people at high risk for measles complications (see below)
Measles symptoms could appear starting from seven days after the first exposure to twenty-one days after the last exposure to someone with measles. Rash is most likely to appear a few days after the fever, ten to twelve days after an exposure.
For more information on measles and how to check your immunization status, go to the King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County Public Health websites or the State Department of Health website.
Contact
Perry Cooper | Sea-Tac Airport
cooper.p@portseattle.org | 206-7787-4923
