Public Health – Seattle & King County is warning the public of a potential measles exposure linked to a Canadian traveler who passed through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and stayed at a Tukwila hotel while infectious on April 6–7, 2025.
Seattle measles exposure April 2025
Health officials say the person was likely exposed to measles while traveling abroad (vaccination status unknown). The traveler spent time in multiple areas of the airport, including the S Concourse, International Arrivals, Customs, and Baggage Claim on April 6, and returned to Gate S1 on April 7. They also stayed overnight at the Comfort Suites Tukwila Airport.
“Measles is extremely contagious — you can catch it just by being in a room where an infected person was,” said Dr. Elysia Gonzales, medical epidemiologist at Public Health. “With a rise in global measles cases, now is a critical time to check your vaccination status.”
[Measles in King County: A pediatric expert answers your questions]
The measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and symptoms may not appear for 7 to 21 days. Those exposed may develop symptoms between April 13 and April 28.
While the risk to the general public is considered low due to widespread vaccination, health officials urge anyone who was at the listed locations during the times of potential exposure to confirm their immunity. If symptoms such as fever or rash appear, individuals should call their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread.
Measles is preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Two doses offer approximately 97 percent protection for life. This Seattle-area measles exposure (April 2025) is the fifth case reported in Washington state since January 1, 2025.
For more information on symptoms, prevention, or where to get vaccinated, head online.
