Public Health – Seattle & King County has confirmed a new case of measles in a local adult, marking the fourth measles diagnosis in Washington state so far in 2025. Officials say this case is unrelated to earlier cases this year and is likely linked to recent international travel.
The individual is no longer contagious, and public health experts say there is minimal to no risk of exposure to the general public.
“This is the fourth case of measles in Washington state this year, and we continue to see that measles is spreading around the U.S. and world,” said Dr. Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The good news is that we have a very safe and effective vaccine to protect our children and our community from measles.”
Public Health is urging anyone planning international travel to check their vaccination status and speak with their healthcare provider about recommended immunizations. Children between 6 and 11 months old should receive an early dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before traveling, even though they’ll still need two additional doses later.
[Measles in King County: A pediatric expert answers your questions]
In Washington state, all children under the age of 19 are eligible to receive vaccines at no cost.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and in rare cases, brain inflammation or death. Infants, young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe illness.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The virus is contagious several days before and after the appearance of a rash.
The best protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing the disease, and the immunity is long-lasting.
To learn more about measles or to find a vaccination clinic, visit www.kingcounty.gov/measles.
