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Vaccination is the best way to protect against the measles. Photo: iStock
An infant with a confirmed case of the measles was identified in King County on Feb. 26, with possible exposures at multiple area locations. The infant may have been exposed to measles while traveling abroad.
The measles virus is extremely contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone contagious with measles leaves an area. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times and dates listed may have been exposed:
- Apple Store at Bellevue Square (213 Bellevue Square, Bellevue) on Feb. 20, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle) on Feb. 21–22, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–2:15 a.m.
- Allegro Pediatrics – Bothell (11724 NE 195th St, Ste 100, Bothell) on Feb. 24, 2025, 1–4:15 p.m.
- Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center (8301 161st Ave NE, Ste 308, Redmond) on Feb. 25, 2025, 1–4 p.m.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle) on Feb. 25, 2025, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
Most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination (which provides about 97 percent protection against measles) so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed above should:
- Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously
- Call a health care provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to other patients, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles. If you need to go to a healthcare facility, wear a well-fitting mask.
Those most at risk from exposure to measles are unvaccinated individuals, infants and children younger than 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease. If you were at any of the exposed areas and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between Feb. 27–March 18, 2025.
For more information, and to learn more about where to get vaccinated, visit the King County website.
