An infant in King County has been identified as the first confirmed measles case in Washington for 2025, as health officials report a rise in cases across various parts of the United States. Last year, the county experienced three measles cases, with the latest being confirmed on Wednesday. The infant is believed to have been exposed to the virus during recent international travel.
Prior to the diagnosis, the infant visited several public places, including the Apple Store at Bellevue Square, the Emergency Department at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Allegro Pediatrics in Bothell, and the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center in Redmond. All three medical facilities are reaching out to patients who may have been exposed, providing them with information about exposure dates and potential symptoms. Those exposed may start showing symptoms between February 27 and March 18.
Measles is an extremely contagious airborne disease that can lead to severe health complications. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It can result in serious conditions such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain inflammation, or even death. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Symptoms usually manifest seven to 21 days after exposure and can spread even before a rash appears.
While anyone can experience complications from measles, certain groups are at higher risk, including children under five, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Despite the current risk, high vaccination rates have helped keep the general public’s risk relatively low, although outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Notably, over 120 cases have been reported in an ongoing outbreak in west Texas, which recently saw its first death, involving an unvaccinated school-aged child. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, providing lifelong protection.
Widespread immunity, or “herd immunity,” is crucial in preventing the swift spread of diseases and requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated against measles. Lower vaccination rates can lead to larger and more frequent outbreaks. Health officials recommend that parents vaccinate their infants between six to 11 months old, with a second dose given at age four, rather than waiting until the child is ready for school.
In King County, approximately 87% of 2-year-olds are up to date with their first vaccine, while 72% of children aged four to six have received both doses. Those who may have been exposed to the virus are advised to contact a clinic for measles testing, minimize contact with others, and wear a well-fitting mask if they need to visit a healthcare facility to prevent further spread.
