Man with measles may have exposed others at Washington State airport, medical center

The measles virus, paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, seen under a microscope.

Credit: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images

Credit: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images

The measles virus, paramyxoviridae from the Morbillivirus family, seen under a microscope.

King County public health officials said Friday that a man with confirmed measles may have exposed others to the infection at Sea-Tac Airport and at Harborview Medical Center's Emergency Department.

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The person with a confirmed measles infection was recently traveling in Asia, officials said.

Investigators believe the infected individual traveled through the Sea-Tac Airport at the international arrival area, customs and immigration and the baggage claim area during on Aug. 21 between 12:45 p.m.and 3:50 p.m. He also visited the Harborview Medical Center’s emergency room on Aug. between 2:20 p.m.  and 5:15 p.m.

Health officials say anyone who was at one of those locations around the same time as the infected victim should:

  1. Find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously; and
  2. Call a health care provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between August 28 and September 11. 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.

Health officials define measles as a highly contagious and

potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes. It is mainly spread through the air.

Read more about measles.