KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Local public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an adult Snohomish County resident who acquired the disease in Asia. Also known as rubeola, measles is a potentially severe disease caused by the measles virus.
The ill traveler flew to Seattle from Thailand via Korea on Asiana flight 272 on January 6th. The traveler became ill during the flight and sought medical attention at a King County medical facility on January 9th. The diagnosis of measles was confirmed today by the state laboratory.
Persons who were on the same flight as the traveler or who were at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at gate S-15 or the Asiana Airlines baggage claim on January 6th between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon were possibly exposed to measles. People who are not immune to measles and were in a place where the infected person was while contagious should contact their health care provider. The risk to the public from this case is low, as the infected person did not make stops on the way from the airport to arriving at home in Snohomish County.
Measles spreads easily among susceptible persons and can result in serious infections complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most persons born before 1957 had the disease in childhood and younger persons are routinely vaccinated against measles, both of which provide protection against the disease.
The case is being investigated jointly by Public Health - Seattle & King County, Snohomish Health District and the Washington State Department of Health.
Any updated information on exposures will be made available on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s website at www.metrokc.gov/health/measles2007 and the Public Health –Seattle & King County hotline at 206-296-4949.
Measles is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever (often greater than 101° F), cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after the exposure to measles occurred. 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.
For more information, a measles fact sheet is available at: www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/measles.htm
For immunizations, contact your provider or visit a Public Health – Seattle & King County immunization clinic: www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/clinics.htm
Established in 1959, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Find more information about the Health District at www.snohd.org.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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