Local

King and Pierce County Health Departments warning of possible measles exposure

Health departments in Pierce and King counties are warning of a possible measles exposure in over a dozen locations spanning both counties.

A Pierce County man in his 40s spent time at a number of public locations while contagious.

So far, this single case has not been linked to any others. It is not known where the man contracted measles.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

Anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed below should find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously.

Call a healthcare provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between May 13-31.

“Measles is a cause for serious concern for anyone who does not have immunity,” said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, Director of Health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “We urge those people to determine if they were at any of the locations where they may have been exposed to measles. Children and adults who are up-to-date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are very well protected and not considered at risk, even at places of possible exposure to measles,” Chen said.

To avoid possibly spreading measles, patients should not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them they want to be evaluated for measles.

Locations of potential exposure to measles in Pierce and King Counties:

Date

Time

Location


May 6 – 10, 
2019

5:30 – 8 a.m.

Sea-Tac International Airport 
Main parking garage 8th floor
Far southern garage elevator
4th level breezeway to escalator
Terminal to baggage claim area

May 6 – 10, 2019

2 – 5 p.m.

Sea-Tac International Airport 
Baggage claim area to escalator
4th level breezeway
Far southern garage elevator
8th floor parking garage

May 6, 2019

5 – 7:15 p.m.

Orting Transmission 
130 Corrin Ct. NW., Orting

May 6, 2019

6 – 10 p.m. 

Orting High School, Orting City Planning Meeting
320 Washington Ave. N., Orting.

May 7, 2019

10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Sea-Tac International Airport 
General area around gate A10 of Sea-Tac Airport 

May 7, 2019

5 – 8 p.m.

Orting Transmission 130 Corrin Ct. NW., Orting

May 7, 2019

7:30 – 10 p.m.

Orting High School 
Orting Junior Dance Team Banquet
320 Washington Ave. N. Orting

May 9, 2019

10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Sea-Tac International Airport 
General area around gate A10 of Sea-Tac Airport 

May 9, 2019

4 – 7:30 p.m.

Discount Tire
19815 S. Prairie Rd. E., Bonney Lake.

May 9, 2019

6 – 9:30 p.m.

Skookum Archery
11209 Shaw Rd. E., Puyallup.

May 10, 
2019

6:30 – 8:40 a.m.

76 Gas Station Market
2841 S 188th St, SeaTac

May 10, 
2019

3:15 – 5:45 pm& 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Orting Transmission
130 Corrin Ct. NW., Orting

May 11, 
2019

8 – 10:30 a.m.

Sound Family Medicine Bonney Lake Walk-in Clinic
10004 204 Ave., Bonney Lake.