A King County infant diagnosed with measles. Several public exposure sites have been identified

Seattle – The King County infant has been identified as Washington's first measles incident in 2025.

Public Health – Seattle and King County confirmed The Toddler's Home Area on Thursday said the baby may have been exposed during a recent international trip.

Details | How to protect yourself from measles as vaccination rates drop across the country

Measles is highly contagious and potentially a severe disease, according to Seattle and King County Public Health. The virus is in the air and can easily spread when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs.

The infant could visit several King County public places prior to diagnosis and expose others. Measles can spread before symptoms appear, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Potential exposure sites include:

Agents urge people who may have been exposed at these locations to check their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they develop a fever or rash.

Most symptoms of measles appear seven to 21 days after someone is exposed, Public Health said. Some symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, pink eyes, and rash, which can last for 2-4 days.

All three of the above-mentioned medical promotional properties notify patients and family members who may have been exposed and provide information about the date of exposure and symptoms of the disease.

“A patient who came to the emergency department for children in Seattle tested positive for measles,” a Seattle Children's spokesperson said in a statement Thursday to Komo News. “Emergency Department staff have tracked the appropriate screening process for patients and their families during visits and promptly implemented appropriate infection control procedures, including patient isolation and reporting to King County Public Health, notifying emergency department patients and families who may be providing information about the date of exposure and symptoms of the disease.

Measles can be seen in lab blood or saliva samples. The best way to prevent the spread of measles is to make sure you are up to date with the MMR vaccine

To avoid the possibility of spreading measles to others, don't go to the clinic or hospital without making a call first saying you want to check for measles after exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity, and wear an appropriate mask if you need to go to a healthcare facility.

Related | Child dying from measles outbreak in Texas as Washington officials urge vaccinations

The most likely period of symptoms to develop is from February 27th to March 18th for people exposed rather than immunity. Measles is transmitted from 4 days after the rash appears.

Public health also highlighted the importance of measles vaccines to the community as a whole.

“Measles spreads easily from person to person. If one person has it, if not protected, nine out of nine out of 10 nearby people will get infected,” said Dr. Eric Chow, chief of public health communication diseases in Seattle & King County. “Measles cases are on the rise both in and outside the United States. Please check the status of your vaccination and get vaccinated if you are not already protected.”

The agency explained that measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines are extremely effective, with two doses offering about 97% protection.

The immunity of herds requires approximately 95% of the vaccine due to the high rate of measles transmission. Currently, an estimated 87% of two-year-olds in King County and 72% of four- to six-year-olds are the latest to receive MMR vaccinations.

In 2024, King County reported three measles cases.

More information on the measles and measles vaccination, including where to receive measles vaccinations can be found in King County. Website.

Is measles fatal?

Normally you don't kill people, but you can.

Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. However, about one in five Waquwan Americans who get measles are hospitalized, the CDC said. Pregnant women who have not got the vaccine can give birth prematurely or have low-born babies.

Among children with measles, about one in 20 develops pneumonia, and the CDC suffers from a brain swelling called encephalitis, known as pneumonia, which can lead to convulsions, hearing loss, or intellectual disability.

Scott Weaver, who works at the University of Texas Medical Chapter in Galveston, said it is fatal “mainly in children, mostly in under 1% of children.” “Children develop the most severe illnesses. The causes of death in these types of cases are usually complications due to pneumonia and pneumonia.”

If I received the MMR vaccine a while ago, do I need a booster?

Healthcare professionals may be tested for antibodies to measles and when boosters are administered as needed, Weaver, even if he already had two standard doses for a child.

He said people who took shots years ago at high risk of infection may also want to consider getting a booster if they live in the area where they are experiencing. They may include people with measles or families who live with people who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses due to underlying medical conditions.

“But if you get two doses as a child, I don't think anyone needs to go to the doctor and get away now,” he said. “If people are just getting standard vaccinations, this won't happen.”