Public-health officials issue measles alert

Local public-health officials say a King County woman has been confirmed as having had measles, and they are warning the public, though the risk to the general public is low.

The adult woman, who was unvaccinated, was exposed during international travel. She developed symptoms on Dec. 12 after returning to King County, according to Public Health — Seattle and King County. She was not hospitalized during her illness and has recovered.

The woman was not contagious during travel but did visit the following places when she was contagious. People who were at the following locations between Dec. 11 and Dec. 20 may have been exposed:

Dec. 11

• Thumra Thai Restaurant, 12549 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, 8-11 p.m. • Totem Lake Cinema, 12232 Totem Lake Way, Kirkland, 9:30 p.m. showing of "Rocket Singh"

Dec. 12

• Evergreen Urgent Care, 8301 161st Ave. N.E., Redmond, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Fred Meyer, 2041 148th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, 1-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

• Bartell Drugs, 16116 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue, 3-5:15 p.m.

Those locations are currently safe to visit, according to health officials.

People who think they may have been exposed should look out for symptoms and contact their health-care provider if they become ill. Symptoms include a rash, which likely would develop between Dec. 18 and Jan. 10.

Because most people in this area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low.

People who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles.

Previously, the last confirmed measles case in a King County resident was in 2007. That person was also exposed to measles during international travel.

Public Health encourages international travelers to get vaccinated.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes, according to Public Health. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever, cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.

People are immune to measles if they've had measles before or were properly vaccinated.