A person with measles may have exposed others to the virus this month at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and a Tukwila hotel, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County.
Public Health said Tuesday that the person, a resident of Canada, traveled through the Seattle area April 6 and 7. They were infectious both days and stayed overnight at the hotel before returning to the airport April 7.
The person was at the following public locations before being diagnosed with measles, according to Public Health. Because the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infected leaves the area, these times include the estimated period when the individual was at the location and two hours after:
* April 6, 5:45-10 p.m. — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Gate S10 in S Concourse, international arrivals, baggage claim Carousel 20 and Gina Marie Hall (southernmost exit near international airlines)
* April 6, 8:45 p.m. until April 7, 7 a.m. — Comfort Suites Tukwila Airport, 7200 Fun Center Way
* April 7, 4:45-7:30 a.m. — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Gate S1 in S Concourse
The person was likely exposed to measles while traveling abroad, according to public health officials.
The measles vaccine is highly effective. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, provide about 97% protection against getting infected during a lifetime.
Most people have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low, according to Public Health. However, Public Health recommends anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:
* Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up-to-date with the recommended number of measles vaccinations.
* Call a health care provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or 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 checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.
If you were at the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between April 13 and April 29. People who are immunocompromised may take longer to experience symptoms.
Spread of measles can occur before people know they have it and before any rash appears.
Measles cases are rising in the U.S. There have been more measles cases in the country during the first three months of 2025 than in all of 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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