Health officials warn of Sea-Tac measles exposure

Public health officials are warning that people may have been exposed to measles at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

In a news release, Public Health-Seattle & King County officials say a passenger who contracted a confirmed case of the disease – likely outside the United States – was contagious when he or she was at the airport. The passenger was at the north satellite terminal, on the inter-terminal train and at baggage claim between 8:10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 6.

The traveler also went to The Bistro, a restaurant at the Courtyard Seattle Federal Way hotel that night.

Officials say most people have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. But if not, and if they may have been exposed at those locations, the most likely time they would become sick is between Sept. 13 and 27.

Possible patients are asked to call a doctor if they develop an illness or fever with unexplained rash. To avoid exposing others they should not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first.

People at highest risk are those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under 6 months old and those with weakened immune systems.