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Health officials announce public exposure to new measles case
Local public health officials have confirmed a measles infection in a child who was in one public location in King County during the contagious period.
The child is a King County resident who was unvaccinated and exposed to measles while traveling in Europe. This measles case is unrelated to previous ones in King County in July 2013.
What to do if you were in location of potential measles exposure
Because most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, the risk to the general public is low. In addition, outdoor exposure locations carry lower risk. However, all people who were in the following location around the same time as the individual with measles should:
- Find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously, and
- Call a health care provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between August 25 and September 8. To avoid possibly spreading measles to other patients, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.
Locations of potential exposure to measles
Before receiving the measles diagnosis, the child was in one King County location where other people might have been exposed. Anyone who was at the following site during the following times was possibly exposed to measles:
- Aladdin Gyro-cery, 4139 University Way N.E., Seattle (Sunday, Aug. 18, 1–3:20 p.m.)
In addition, the child was at several public locations in Oregon while contagious, including a tennis tournament. A number of the participants who were at the tournament are from King County; health officials are following up directly with them. More information on Oregon exposures is available here.
If you were in these areas at the times above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick is between August 25 and September 8.
Public health officials have notified the locations where the public may have been exposed.
Measles vaccinations for European travel
Measles outbreaks are occurring frequently in Europe. All travelers to Europe should be fully vaccinated with two doses of measles vaccine before travel.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It is mainly spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under six months of age and those with weakened immune systems.
For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/measles.aspx