Measles confirmed in child who visited Overlake area

Published 10:39 am Thursday, February 18, 2010

A child who was exposed to measles outside the United States may have had contact with people in the Overlake area of Bellevue.

The child developed a measles rash on Monday, Feb. 15 after arriving in King County on Feb. 12, according to King County health officials.

The period of time when members of the public could have been exposed is Feb. 12 through Feb. 15. If they become ill with measles, they would be expected to develop rash onset between Feb. 19 and March 8.

The child was contagious during travel, and had health care visits and community exposures subsequently. The child was hospitalized during the illness and is recovering.

Health officials say that on Feb. 14. the child was at Mayuri Food and Video in the Overlake area from 3:30-5:45 p.m. The address of the facility is 2560 152nd Ave. NE, Redmond.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after the exposure to measles occurred. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.

Because most people in this area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low, health officials say. Persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than six months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness.

People who may have been exposed are asked to look out for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever (often greater than 101° F), cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.

People are immune to measles if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either not immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for people at the greatest risk for severe illness: those under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Measles spreads easily among susceptible persons and can result in serious infections complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most persons born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger persons are routinely vaccinated against measles, both of which provide protection against the disease.

Persons with possible measles should call their health care provider before coming in to be seen to avoid exposing other vulnerable patients, and should wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, avoid public places, and minimize contact with others.

Other places the child was present include:

Feb. 12

SeaTac Airport, 11:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. Arrival on American Airlines, Concourse A, and baggage claim area

Mercy Vet, 2:15-5:00 p.m., 2707 76th Ave. SE. Mercer Island

Feb. 13

Target-Westwood Village 9:30 a.m. to noon, 2800 SW Barton St, Seattle

QFC-Westwood Village 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2500 SW Barton, Seattle

Feb. 14

PCC-West Seattle 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2749 California Ave. S.W., Seattle

Target-Westwood Village 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 SW Barton St., Seattle

Mayuri Food and Video 3:30-5:45 p.m., 2560 152nd Ave. NE, Redmond.