Measles Exposure Warning in Washington

A family from South Carolina, visiting western Washington, stopped by various spots, including restaurants and a trampoline park, as well as the Mukilteo ferry and the airport.

SEATTLE — Health authorities in Snohomish and King counties have confirmed three cases of measles in the family that visited over the recent holiday break. They are warning that the family frequented several public places where others may have been exposed.

This family—which includes one adult and two children—visited multiple locations across Marysville, Mukilteo, and Everett between December 27 and January 1 while they were contagious but didn’t yet know they were infected. The adult had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine, while the children were reportedly unvaccinated, according to Snohomish County Health Department officials.

Health officials have identified the following exposure sites:

• McDonald’s at 530 128th Street in Everett on December 27 from 1-3 p.m.
• Slavic Christian Church Awakening in Mukilteo on December 28 from 2-6:30 p.m.
• Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park in the Everett Mall on December 29 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Chick-fil-A at 8110 36th Ave in Marysville on December 29 from 1-3 p.m.
• Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry on December 30 from 1-3 p.m.
• Fisherman Jack’s at 1410 Seiner Drive in Everett on December 30 from 6-9:30 p.m.
• Consolidated Rental Car Facility and shuttles to/from the airport on January 1 from 6:45-9 a.m.
• SEA Airport N Concourse (Gate N4) and Green Line Train on January 1 from 7-11:15 a.m.

Officials are advising anyone who was at these locations to check their vaccination status. Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine offers roughly 97% protection for life.

If people were exposed between December 27 and January 1 and lack immunity, they might start showing symptoms from January 4 to January 22. Those with compromised immune systems could take longer to display any signs of illness.

Anyone feeling feverish or developing an unexplained rash should contact a healthcare professional before heading to a medical facility. This helps in preventing the possible spread of the disease.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, and it can lead to severe illness,” noted Dr. James Lewis, health officer for Snohomish County. “The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our community, especially the infants and individuals who cannot be vaccinated.”

Reports indicate that measles cases have sharply increased across the country, with 2,144 cases logged in 2025, marking the highest number since 1992. South Carolina officials have noted 26 new cases since last Friday.

The measles virus spreads through the air and can linger in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has exited an area. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Alarmingly, up to 90% of unprotected individuals near an infected person will contract the virus.

Complications arising from measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare instances, brain inflammation or even death. High-risk groups primarily consist of children younger than five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.