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Health advisory: Information on potential measles case exposure
January 10, 2007

Public Health - Seattle & King County has confirmed a case of measles in an adult traveler who acquired the disease abroad. 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.

The risk to the public from this case is low, as the infected person visited only a small number of public areas in King County while contagious. However, persons who were on Asiana Flight 272 or who were at Sea-Tac International Airport at gate S-15 or the Asiana Airlines baggage claim on January 6th between 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon were possibly exposed to measles.

Potential exposure locations in King County:

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.

Updated locations and times where persons may have been exposed to measles in King County will be available on this website and the Public Health hotline at 206-296-4949.

What the public needs to do if potentially exposed:

  • Find out if you are at risk for measles. Persons who either have had measles or who have been adequately immunized against measles are protected from measles infection. A blood test can show whether you are immune to (protected against) measles. If you are immune to measles, there is nothing else you need to do at this time.

  • You are considered immune to measles if:
    • You were born before 1957: Most persons born before 1957 had measles as children.
    • If you were born on or after January 1, 1957 and have documentation of having had at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine received since 1968 and given on or after the first birthday (Measles vaccines used prior to 1968 did not always provide reliable immunity to measles).
    • A blood test for measles antibody is positive.
      • If you do not have documentation of your measles vaccination history or if you have not had measles, Public Health recommends a blood test to tell you if you are immune or not. Your health care professional can arrange this.

  • For persons exposed to measles who have not been vaccinated and have not had measles previously OR if your blood test shows that you do not have measles immunity:
    • Check the web site above. If you were in a location where a person with measles was at the specific dates and times listed, Public Health recommends that you receive a dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: Contact your health care professional.
    • All persons who were in one of the measles exposure locations at the specified times or who had contact with someone with measles should monitor their health for 21 days. If fever or rash develops, call your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and the exposure. Stay away from other persons and from public settings until you have been evaluated by a health care professional. Always call before arriving at a health care facility for evaluation of possible measles.
    • A minority of people who receive MMR vaccine develop fever and/or rash after immunization. Five to 15% of people may develop fever, usually 7-12 days after vaccination and lasting 1-2 days. Unlike people with measles who feel ill, most persons with fever after measles vaccine are otherwise well. Rash is reported in approximately 5% of people after MMR vaccination and usually appears 7-10 days after vaccination. People with fever and/or rash after MMR vaccination are not contagious to others. It is still important to let your health care professional know if you develop fever and/or rash during the time you are monitoring your health after a measles exposure, even if you get vaccinated.

  • When people are immunized against measles today, they are given combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children born since the early 1990's receive two doses of MMR. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose may be given one month after the first dose or at entry into school or child care.

  • MMR vaccinations are available at most health care providers' offices and at Public Health clinics.

  • Children under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems are at high risk for severe measles and complications. These people should contact their healthcare professional if they may have been exposed to measles.