King County Health Notice – Local Measles Case

Public Health-Seattle & King County (PHSKC) was notified on February 26, 2025, of a confirmed measles case in a King County infant. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe complications, especially in young children, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are unvaccinated.  Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles:  

How to Keep Your Family Safe

• Ensure your child’s immunization records are up to date. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles.  

• Consider creating an account at myirmobile.com to access your children’s official immunization records today.  

• Be aware of symptoms 

• Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Initial symptoms are: 

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104°) 
  • Cough 
  • Runny nose 
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) 

• 2-3 days after symptoms begin 

  • Tiny white spokes (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth 

• 3-5 days after symptoms begin, a measles rash may appear 

  • It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline, then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.  
  • Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the flat red spots, and the spots may join together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body 
  • A person’s fever may spike to 104° Fahrenheit when the rash appears 

• Seek medical advice if you suspect exposure or symptoms. Call your healthcare provider before visiting to prevent the potential spread.  

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.  

Vaccine Effectiveness and Booster Recommendations  

• Children need two doses of MMR vaccines 

  • The first dose is given at 12-15 months old
  • The 2nd dose is given at age 4 

• Adults who have never been vaccinated should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine 

• Healthcare staff without MMR immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.  

• Any person aged 6 months or older traveling internationally should be protected against measles. Talk to your doctor if this situation applies to you or your family. 

Immunocompromised people and those with uncertain vaccination history should consult their healthcare provider about checking immunity through a measles antibody titer test.  

Please visit the Washington State Department of Health for more information about the MMR vaccine.  

The district works closely with public health officials to monitor the situation and will keep our community updated as needed. Please reach out to your healthcare provider or your child’s school nurse or visit the PHSKC website for more information.