SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — An infant with measles is confirmed to have visited two Snohomish County walk-in clinics and passed through seveal areas of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
According to officials, the child was seen at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday, March 27. The child passed through the S concourse and Customs to International Arrivals Facility Baggage Claim before exiting the airport out of Gina Marie Arrivals Hall.
The child was seen again two days later at the PMG Monroe Walk-in Clinic on Saturday, March 29, and again at the PMG Mill Creek Walk-in Clinic on Monday, March 31.
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The child and their family were later sent to Seattle Children’s for further testing, which confirmed the measles diagnosis.
The infant was likely exposed to measles during recent travel abroad
“During both clinic visits, PMG staff followed thorough screening measures for the symptoms present and followed measles precautions and protocols to ensure the health and safety of our patients, their family members and our caregivers,” said Providence Medical Group.
Health officials urge anyone who visited the following locations during these exposure periods to seek medical advice and monitor for symptoms for 14 days following possible exposure:
- SEA Airport – Thursday, March 27, from 10:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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]
- PMG Monroe Walk-in Clinic – Saturday, March 29, from 6:25 –10 p.m. Exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms April 5-19.
- PMG Mill Creek Walk-in Clinic – Monday, March 31, from 8:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms April 7-21.
- Seattle Children’s – Monday, March 31, from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease, causing fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If one person contracts measles, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The disease mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
People infected with measles are contagious four days before the rash starts through four days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about seven to 10 days, and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 10-14 days (with a range of seven to 21 days.) People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash. Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.
Healthy people can experience complications from measles, but those at highest risk include infants and children under five years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination offers safe, effective measles protection
To prevent measles, Providence Swedish strongly recommends everyone receive the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and providing long-lasting protection.
More information can be found on the Snohomish County Health Department’s WEBSITE.
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