Public health officials in Washington State have issued a warning regarding travelers from Canada who were infected with measles and visited various public locations, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Individuals with unclear vaccination statuses traveled to the airport and frequented several places in Renton, Bellevue, Seattle, Everett, and Woodinville between April 30 and May 3, as noted in a release from King County.
Health authorities stated that these Canadians were diagnosed post-travel.
Measles can be transmitted even before the characteristic rash appears, and the virus may linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves a place.
Potential exposure sites included Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bellevue Market Place at Factoria Shopping Center, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Home Depot in Redmond, Dan Lumber in Renton, Jenki Sushi in Renton, Top Golf Renton Sports Bar and Restaurant, Kirkland’s Fomignon, Kobo at Higo Art Gallery, Uwajimaya Seattle Asian market, Brewed, and Spicy Sichuan, as well as three fitness centers.
This situation is separate from previous local measles cases. Public Health – Seattle and King County has also responded to two other instances this year affecting non-residents.
So far, Washington has reported a total of five measles cases this year.
Megan Kay, a medical epidemiologist with King County, mentioned a “significant revival” of measles in the U.S. and globally.
Kay also highlighted that 2025 is on course to witness the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. since the early ’90s, with over 1,000 cases reported thus far.
If individuals are not vaccinated, it’s an urgent time to assess their vaccination status and secure vaccinations. Health officials advise those in possibly affected areas to confirm their measles vaccination and to promptly contact healthcare providers if they experience symptoms such as fever or an unexplained rash.
