Case of measles confirmed in a King County
Local public health officials report they have identified a confirmed case of measles in King County.
The woman, who had not been vaccinated against the disease, contracted the infection while traveling abroad.
Officials said the woman was healthy on her return trip, and it is thought that she was not contagious while she was traveling.
But on December 12th, after returning to King County, she developed symptoms.
Health officials believe she could have spread the virus to others from December 11th through December 20th, during which time she visited local retail shops, a restaurant, a cinema and health clinic.
Measles rash - Photo: CDC
People who might have been exposed to the disease would be expected to develop the characteristic skin rash of measles December 18th and January 10.
(To learn more about the signs and symptoms of measles read the full advisory issued by Public Health – Seattle & King County below.)
“Because most people in our area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low,” officials with Public Health – Seattle & King County said in the advisory issued Thursday, December 24th.
“Persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than 6 months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness,” the advisory said.
PHOTO: Measles virus – Cynthia Goldsmith/CDC
For more details, including the names of the locations where the woman had visited while she was considered contagious as well as background information about measles — read the full text of the health advisory issued by Public Health – Seattle & King County below:
MEASLES ALERT FROM PUBLIC HEALTH – SEATTLE & KING COUNTY:
Confirmed case of measles in a King County adult
Risk to general public is low
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON – Local public health officials have learned of a confirmed case of measles in a King County adult female who was exposed during international travel.
She is an unvaccinated adult who developed symptoms on December 12th after returning to King County.
The woman was not contagious during travel, but she did have several health care visits and community exposures subsequently. She was not hospitalized during her illness and is recovered.
Because most people in our area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low.
Persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than 6 months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness.
The period of time when members of the public could have been exposed is December 11th through December 20th. If they become ill with measles, they would be expected to develop rash onset between December 18th and January 10th.
Public Health notified affected healthcare facilities and locations where community members may have been exposed.
Persons who were at the following King County sites between December 11th through December 20th (times noted) were possibly exposed to measles:
December 11th, 2009
- Thumra Thai Restaurant, 12549 116th Ave. NE, Kirkland WA from 8 pm to 11pm
- Totem Lake Cinema, 12232 Totem Lake Way, Kirkland WA, 9:30 pm showing of Rocket Singh
December 12th, 2009
- Evergreen Urgent Care Redmond, 8301 161st Ave NE, Redmond, WA from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Fred Meyer Bellevue, 2041 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 16th, 2009
- Bartell Drugs Bellevue, 16116 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA from 3:00 pm to 5:15 pm
People who may have been exposed are asked to look out for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill.
Background on measles
Measles, also known as rubeola, 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.
People are immune to measles if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either not immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for people at the greatest risk for severe illness: those under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems.
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.
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.
Persons with possible measles should call their health care provider before coming in to be seen to avoid exposing other vulnerable patients, and should wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, avoid public places, and minimize contact with others.
For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at:
For measles or other immunizations, contact your health care provider.
For help finding a doctor, please call:
- Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 206-284-0331 or 1-800-756-5437 — CHAP staff can refer you to a local a Public Health Family Health Clinic and/or a Community Health Clinic. These clinics offer full health services, including immunizations. If you do not have medical coverage, clinic fees are based on your income.
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