Traveler with measles passes through Sea-Tac Airport

SEATAC, Wash. — Public health officials said a contagious traveler with measles passed through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday and may have exposed others.

The contagious traveler flew from Beijing to Seattle on July 4.

Anyone who was in one of the of the following areas at Sea-Tac between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday was possibly exposed to measles:

• South Satellite International Terminal arrival area
• Immigration and primary screening
• Adoption processing
• Restrooms in the South Satellite
• Baggage claim/customs
• Train to main terminal
• Elevator in main terminal to level 2 parking garage

People who were in the same locations at the airport at the same time as the contagious traveler should be aware of their immunity status, monitor themselves for symptoms and call a health care provider promptly if they develop an illness sometime between July 11-25.

Measles is a highly contagious virus but most people in Washington are immune because they have been vaccinated.

The disease is mainly spread through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

People at highest risk from exposure are the unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under 6 months of age and those with weakened immune systems.

The traveler received medical attention after arriving in Seattle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is contacting people who were on the same flights as the contagious traveler.

For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/measles.aspx 

KIRO