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Summary
Public Health – Seattle & King County is informing the community of two new measles cases in King County residents from the same household. Prior to confirming their diagnosis, they may have exposed others to the measles virus at multiple locations throughout Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Newcastle and Seattle.
Story
Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of two confirmed measles cases in members of the same King County household - a child and an adult family member.
The two individuals visited multiple locations throughout King County while infectious – see table below. The child and adult were likely exposed to measles while hosting an international visitor who reported being ill. The visitor has since left King County and their measles status is unknown.
The child had received one dose of the MMR vaccine. The adult family member’s vaccination status is unknown.
These two cases are not connected to any of the previously announced local measles cases. These are the ninth and tenth cases of measles in Washington state residents in 2025.
“With more measles cases globally and in the U.S., if you are planning to travel, make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations. The CDC now recommends that anyone traveling internationally ensure they’re fully vaccinated against measles prior to their trip. Vaccination will not only protect you but will also make you less likely to spread it to others if you develop measles. Make sure to get vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip. This gives your body a chance to build immunity. Talk to your doctor about your family’s specific health needs and travel plans,” said Meagan Kay, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Fortunately, the measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against getting infected by measles and that protection lasts a lifetime.
Locations of potential exposure to the public
Spread of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, before a rash appears.
The two individuals were at the following public locations before being diagnosed with measles. These times include the estimated period when either individual was at the location and two hours after. Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infectious with measles leaves the area. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles:
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Date
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Time
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Location
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6/14/25
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11 AM – 2:30 PM
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Bellevue Fire Station 9 12412 Newcastle Way
Bellevue 98006
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6/15/25
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10:30 AM – 2 PM
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St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Parish
4400 130th Pl SE
Bellevue 98006
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2 PM – 5 PM
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Lake Union Swim Academy
2040 Westlake Ave N
Seattle 98109
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6/18/25
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1 PM – 4 PM
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Mary Wayte Pool
8815 SE 40th St
Mercer Island 98040
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2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
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Costco Issaquah
1801 10th Ave NW
Issaquah 98027
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6/19/25
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1:20 PM - 4:20 PM
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Overlake Clinics Newcastle Urgent Care
13159 Newcastle Commons Dr
Newcastle 98059
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6/20/25
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Forest B parking garage, Forest B parking garage elevators, Forest pharmacy, Forest B Level 1 lobby
11:50 AM – 2 PM
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Emergency Department Lobby
12 PM – 2:05 PM
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Emergency Department
3:40 PM –5:45 PM
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Seattle Children’s Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle 98105
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What to do if you were in a location of potential measles exposure
Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:
- Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
- Call a healthcare provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.
If you were at the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between June 21, 2025 – July 13, 2025. People who are immuno-compromised may take longer to experience symptoms.
About measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.
Complications from measles can happen even in healthy people, but those at highest risk include infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.
If you are in one of these high-risk groups and were exposed to measles at one of these locations, be sure to contact your health care provider to discuss any steps you need to take to protect yourself or loved ones against complications from measles.
Measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and that protection is long lasting.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations: www.kingcounty.gov/measles
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for more than two million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. More at www.kingcounty.gov/health
Keep up with the latest Public Health news in King County by subscribing to the department’s blog, Public Health Insider.
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