A traveler who recently visited Alaska may have exposed others to measles at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. The person was infectious on January 10 and traveled through the airport’s S Concourse, international arrivals area, and baggage claim.
Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves the area. Anyone who visited these locations between 2:30 pm and 8 pm that day may have been exposed.
Those vaccinated against measles are unlikely to get infected, as two doses of the vaccine provide about 97% lifetime protection. However, the risk of transmission can occur before symptoms appear, and the general public’s risk is considered low.
Public Health is urging anyone who was in the affected areas on January 10 to check their vaccination status and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms like fever or rash. To prevent spreading the disease, it’s recommended to limit contact with others and call healthcare providers before visiting a clinic or hospital.
Symptoms of measles typically appear between four days before and four days after the onset of a rash, which is accompanied by fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The virus mainly spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/potential-exposure-to-measles-at-sea-tac-airport