Measles case confirmed in King County

3 days ago

The case visited Seattle Children's Hospital Emergency Department and other locations in King County in the past week. Make sure your family is up to date on MMR vaccine.

An infant in King County has been diagnosed with measles, Public Health Seattle & King County announced Thursday, Feb. 27. The infant may have been exposed to measles while traveling abroad. This is the first confirmed case of measles in Washington state in 2025.

Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. Measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles has left a room. This means other people can get measles without ever being close to an infected person.

Fortunately, people who have received two doses of the measles (MMR) vaccine are at very low risk for getting measles.

Locations where the public might have been exposed to measles

Public Health Seattle & King County has posted a list of locations where the public might have been exposed to measles. The list includes Seattle Children's Hospital Emergency Department on Feb. 21, 22, and 25. View a full list of locations and times here.

Healthcare facilities on the list are notifying families who might have been exposed to measles and providing guidance.

What to know about measles

Measles is a viral disease that can cause severe illness, especially in children and babies. In the U.S., about one out of five unvaccinated people who get measles require hospitalization.

Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash that begins at the face and spreads down the body.

Measles is rare in the U.S. because of effective vaccination efforts. However, measles outbreaks globally and in the U.S. have increased the risk for getting measles, especially for people who are not vaccinated.

Texas state health officials announced this week that an unvaccinated, school-aged child had died from measles amid an ongoing outbreak that includes more than 150 cases in two states.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles

The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is extremely effective for preventing measles. Two doses of MMR provide about 97% protection against measles.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children. Children typically receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. An MMR vaccine is recommended for infants as young as 6 months if they are traveling overseas. If you are planning to travel to another country with an infant, ask your pediatrician about recommended vaccines.

Adults who have not received the MMR vaccine can get vaccinated at any age.

You can use the MyIR website or mobile app to check if you or your children have received the MMR vaccine. Healthcare providers, pharmacies, and schools can also help you access immunization records. If you need an MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or a local clinic.

All routine vaccines are free for children under age 19 in Washington state. Learn more.

Upcoming children's vaccination clinics

Kitsap Public Health District has scheduled free vaccination clinics for children on Friday, March 7 and Friday, March 28. Our clinics offer all routine childhood immunizations, including MMR, as well as flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Visit our clinic page to learn more and book an appointment.