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Viral disease. Measles rash on the body of the child. Allergy.

Measles rash (Image: iStock.com)

Another measles case confirmed in Snohomish baby

Third case since January 1; health officials urge vaccination

The Snohomish County Health Department sent out a warning today, April 2, about a new measles case in a infant. The baby was likely exposed during recent travel abroad. While those who are vaccinated against measles are unlikely to contract the disease, people who were at certain locations in Snohomish and King counties at the same time as the baby may have been exposed to measles. Public health officials in King and Snohomish counties urge residents to check to make sure they have immunity against measles.

The newest case is the second in an infant, and the third case overall, in Washington state since January 1, 2025.

ā€œOur thoughts are with the child and their family, and we sincerely hope for a full and speedy recovery,” Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for the Snohomish County Health Department, said in a release. “Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease, and young children — especially those who are too young to be vaccinated—are particularly vulnerable to its complications. Vaccination remains our best protection against measles. We urge everyone, especially those who spend time around young kids, to ensure they are immune, both to protect themselves and to shield those who are most at risk. If you’re planning international travel, it’s also important to speak with your healthcare provider about what vaccines may be needed for you and your family to stay healthy and protected while abroad.ā€

Potential exposure dates, times and locations

Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone contagious with measles leaves the area. If you or your child is not immune to measles and was exposed, the most likely time you would become sick would be between April 3 and April 21, 2025. People with weakened immune systems may take longer to experience symptoms. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed below could have been exposed:

  • March 27: 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: S Concourse (Gate S12) Customs to International Arrivals Facility Baggage Claim (Carousel 20). Exited the airport out of Gina Marie Arrivals Hall (south end of the main terminal on the lower level)
  • March 29: 6:25 to 10 p.m.(clinic closed at 8:00 p.m.) at Providence Monroe Clinic. 19200 N. Kelsey St. in Monroe
  • March 31: 8:55 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Providence Mill Creek Walk-In Care, including Washington Medical Group Endoscopy Clinic and Providence Mill Creek Lobby CafĆ©. 12800 Bothell Everett Hwy #110 in Everett
  • March 31: 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Seattle Children’s Hospital Forest garage, Forest elevators, Forest pharmacy, and Forest B lobby. 4800 Sand Point Way NE in Seattle

What to doĀ 

Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However the disease can be dangerous to for high risk groups, including unvaccinated kids under age five and pregnant people. Severe disease causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The disease can cause ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.

It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:

  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
  • Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity, and to wear a well-fitting mask if you do need to go to a healthcare facility.

[Measles in King County: A pediatric expert answers your questions]

Vaccination is keyĀ 

ā€œMeasles is spreading around the U.S. and world. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our children, not only from serious diseases like measles, but also to ensure they can attend school safely,ā€ said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. ā€œIf you haven’t gotten around to taking your child in for vaccination, make an appointment with your child’s provider. In Washington State, all children under age 19 can get vaccines for free.ā€

In 2024, there were three cases of measles in King County. Herd immunity, which helps prevent rapid spread of diseases among a large population, requires about 95 percent of people to be vaccinated against measles because it is so infectious. We are likely to see more frequent and larger outbreaks when vaccination rates are lower than that.

  • An estimated 87% of 2-year-olds in King County are up to date on the MMR vaccine (having received one dose of the MMR vaccine).
  • An estimated 72% of 4–6-year-olds in King County have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

Groups at highest risk include: infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.

About the disease

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash. For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations:Ā www.kingcounty.gov/measles.

About the Author

Cheryl Murfin

Cheryl Murfin is managing editor at Seattle's Child. She is also a certified doula, lactation educator for NestingInstinctsSeattle.com and a certified AWA writing workshop facilitator at Compasswriters.com.