Abdelrahman
SEATTLE — Officials in King County have confirmed that an infant has been identified as Washington’s first documented case of measles for 2025.
Public Health – Seattle and King County announced this news, explaining that the infant may have been exposed to the virus during recent international travels.
DISCOVER MORE | Essential tips for safeguarding yourself from measles as vaccination rates decrease nationwide
According to Public Health – Seattle and King County, measles is an incredibly contagious and potentially serious illness. The virus is spread through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or breathes.
The infant had visited multiple public venues in King County prior to the diagnosis, raising concerns about potential exposure for others. It’s important to note that measles can be transmitted even before symptoms present themselves, and the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has exited the area.
Potential sites of exposure include:
The health agency is advising anyone who might have been exposed at these locations to check their vaccination status and consult a healthcare professional if they experience fever or rash.
The onset of measles symptoms typically occurs between 7 to 21 days following exposure, as noted by Public Health. Common symptoms include a high fever lasting two to four days, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a distinctive rash.
Medical facilities in the area are actively reaching out to patients and families who may have been exposed, offering details about the exposure dates and symptoms to monitor.
A representative from Seattle Children’s shared with KOMO News, “A patient who visited our Emergency Department tested positive for measles. Our staff adhered to established screening protocols and promptly enacted infection control measures, including isolating the patient and informing King County Public Health. We are notifying other patients and families in the Emergency Department who may have been at risk, providing details about exposure dates and symptoms. Due to privacy concerns, we are unable to disclose specific patient information.”
Measles can be confirmed through blood or saliva testing in a laboratory. Staying updated on the MMR vaccine is the most effective method to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
If you suspect you might have measles, avoid visiting clinics or hospitals without prior notice. Notify them about your potential exposure, limit contact with others, especially those who are unvaccinated, and wear a properly fitted mask if you must seek medical attention.
For those exposed and not immune, the most probable symptom onset timeframe is from February 27 to March 18. Measles remains contagious from four days prior to the appearance of the rash until four days afterward.
Public Health has reiterated the critical role of the measles vaccine in safeguarding community health.
“Measles spreads easily between individuals. Without protection, up to 90% of those in proximity to an infected person could contract the illness,” explained Dr. Eric Chow, Communicable Disease Chief for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’re witnessing a rise in measles cases both domestically and internationally. Consult your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and consider getting vaccinated if you haven’t already.”
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is known to be highly effective, with two doses providing around 97% immunity. Maintaining herd immunity requires approximately 95% vaccination coverage due to the virus’s high contagion rate. Currently, an estimated 87% of two-year-olds and 72% of four to six-year-olds in King County are fully vaccinated with the MMR.
Last year, King County recorded three cases of measles.
For additional information about measles and vaccination, including where to receive the MMR vaccine, visit King County’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Can measles lead to fatal outcomes?
While measles rarely results in death, it can be serious.
Common complications encompass ear infections and diarrhea. The CDC notes that about 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who contract measles require hospitalization. Pregnant women lacking vaccination are at risk of premature birth or having low-birthweight infants.
In children, approximately 1 in every 20 who contract measles develop pneumonia, and about 1 in 1,000 may experience encephalitis, which can lead to seizures, hearing loss, or cognitive impairment.
Deaths occur in slightly less than 1% of cases, predominantly affecting children. Severe illness usually arises from pneumonia and its associated complications, says Scott Weaver from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Is a booster necessary if you’ve received the MMR vaccine in the past?
Healthcare providers may test for measles antibodies in older patients and administer boosters when necessary, even if they have previously received the standard two doses.
Individuals at high risk for infection, who were vaccinated long ago, might consider a booster, especially if they reside in outbreak-prone areas. This includes household members of infected individuals or those particularly susceptible to respiratory illnesses due to existing health conditions.
“However, not everyone needs to rush to their doctor for a booster if they received two doses as a child,” Weaver advised. “If more individuals obtained the standard vaccinations, we wouldn’t see these issues arise.”
