Traveler infected with confirmed measles case at Seattle International Airport as cases rise in US

Seattle and King County Public Health issued an alert after being notified that an adult with a confirmed case of infectious measles had transited through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following travel to Europe.

The confirmed infection came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert to public health officials, warning them that the number of cases Measles cases in the United States this year already corresponds to the entirety of 2023.

The Seattle and King County alert stated that the contagious adult had transited through the international airport on May 10 and 11 and that their measles vaccination status was unclear.

Health officials said the individual resided in Arizona and likely contracted the infectious disease while in Europe. The agency did not specify which country(ies) the individual had traveled to.

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Health officials said the individual used Concourse S (door S1) on May 10 between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. He went through customs to baggage claim at the International Arrivals Facility (Carousel 19).

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On May 11, between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., the individual was in Hall A (door A8).

Seattle health officials said if individuals believe they may have been exposed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, they should:

• Find out if you have been vaccinated against measles or if you have ever had measles. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
• Call a healthcare professional promptly if you develop an illness with fever or unexplained rash. To avoid spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling them first to tell them you want to be tested for measles after exposure.
• Limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.

If you were in the locations listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you will get sick would be between May 17, 2024 and June 1, 2024. People who are immunocompromised may take longer time to experience symptoms.

The health crisis at the international airport came after a CDC alert to public health officials indicated that the number of people Measles cases in the United States this year already corresponds to the entirety of 2023.

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“From January 1 to March 14, 2024, the CDC was notified of 58 confirmed cases of measles in the United States in 17 jurisdictions, including seven epidemics in seven jurisdictions, compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported all year in 2023,” the statement said.

“Of the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel,” the CDC continued, adding that “many countries, including travel destinations like Austria, Philippines, Romania and the United Kingdom, are concerned. experiencing measles epidemics.

The CDC describes measles as a “highly contagious viral disease” that “can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated people.”

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“To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission due to importation, all U.S. residents traveling abroad, regardless of their destination, must be up to date on their MMR vaccinations,” it said. ‘alert. “Healthcare providers should ensure that children receive routine immunizations, including MMR.”