Latest news with #ElysiaGonzales
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Major US airport on red alert after patient infected with world's most infectious disease passes through
Health officials are sounding the alarm over a potential measles exposure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. An infected infant visited the airport's S Concourse with their family, potentially exposing others to the world's most infectious disease. The person was at the airport - the largest in the Pacific North West, and one of the busiest in America - on April 17 between 4:50pm to 7:45pm. The individual also passed through the customs and baggage claim areas before exiting through the south end of main terminal. They later visited Seattle Children's Emergency Department after developing symptoms on April 17, 18 and 20, and they were admitted on April 20. Their condition remains unknown. Officials are warning anyone who fears they may have been exposed to contact their health provider and monitor for symptoms in what is the latest in a string of measles scares to rock America's major airports. It marks the fifth case of measles in Washington state this year, three of which have been infants. In the past month, New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy airport along with hubs in Washington DC and Los Angeles were all plunged into chaos over measles alerts. It comes amid a major outbreak in West Texas, that has already sickened around 500 people and led to two deaths, marking the first fatalities in a decade in the US. Nationwide, cases crossed a grim milestone last month surpassing the tally for the whole of 2024 and reaching their highest level since 2019. Health officials suspect the latest patient was exposed to measles while traveling abroad. They had not yet been vaccinated. Officials are warning anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to monitor themselves for symptoms for the next two weeks, particularly if they are unvaccinated, and contact their health provider. Anyone who develops symptoms is encouraged to immediately contact health services for treatment. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area. In 2024, it served 52.6 million passengers, ranking 11th in the US by passenger numbers. Officials say no infections linked to the infected individual have been reported to date. Commenting on the matter, Seattle-based public health worker Elysia Gonzales said: 'Measles is highly contagious and if you don't have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been. 'We've seen an increase in measles cases around the world and in the US, so it's an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren't protected.' Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world, with one person capable of spreading the virus to nine out of every 10 people they meet if those individuals are unvaccinated. Measles is transmitted via breathing in infectious droplets that can remain suspended in the air for two hours after an infected patient passes. Patients develop a fever, cough, and runny nose, which then develops into a rash that starts at the hairline before spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. There's no cure for measles, with doctors instead using antibiotics to treat related infections and IV fluids. If unvaccinated, about one in five people who are infected are hospitalized while one in 20 children develop pneumonia. Among unvaccinated children infected with measles, about one in 1,000 will develop encephalitis — or swelling of the brain. And nearly one to three out of every 1,000 will die from the disease. The vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing an infection and is required for children attending school in some states. In terms of when to get vaccinated, Gonzales says: 'Children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. 'Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5th WA measles case of 2025 confirmed in King County infant
The Brief The fifth confirmed case of measles in western Washington was recently found after an infant likely got infected while traveling overseas. The child was at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Seattle Children's Hospital while infectious, local health officials say. SEATTLE - The fifth confirmed measles case in Washington this year was found in a King County infant, the third child in the Seattle area to be infected with the disease. The child went through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Seattle Children's Hospital while infectious, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. Health officials say the case is not connected to any previous local measles cases, and the infant was likely exposed during recent international travel. The infant was not vaccinated. "Measles outbreaks are happening in every part of the world. If you are planning international travel, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider about what vaccines may be needed. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles," said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. Timeline The infant was at the following locations before being diagnosed with measles: Tuesday, April 15: 4:50 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (S Concourse Gate S10, International Arrivals and Customs, Baggage Claim Carousel 21, exited through south end of main terminal) Thursday, April 17: 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Seattle Children's Emergency Department lobby (4800 Sand Point Way NE in Seattle) Thursday, April 17: 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Seattle Children's Forest B level 1 lobby, Forest Pharmacy Friday, April 18: 12:05 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. - Seattle Children's Ocean 6, 7, 8 lobbies, Ocean 8 hallway to Urgent Care, Ocean 8 Urgent Care lobby Anyone who was at the following locations during the listed times could have been exposed to measles. Those who were exposed and not immune to the disease would most likely become sick between April 22 and May 11. The risk to the general public is low due to most having immunity through vaccination. However, those who are unvaccinated are recommended to get the recommended number of MMR vaccinations, and to call a healthcare provider if you develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash. So far in Washington, three infants have had confirmed measles cases, and two other cases involved people traveling through Sea-Tac Airport. Learn more about measles on the Public Health – Seattle & King County website. The Source Information in this story is from a media release by Public Health – Seattle & King County. Boeing 737 reportedly rejected overseas, FOX 13 finds matching jet in Seattle China retaliates against Trump's tariffs Docs: Man accused of killing WA grandmother 'meticulously planned' murder Gov. Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces from entering WA Fast Ferry cuts loom as Washington faces budget crisis Boy shot, killed in Tacoma, WA on Easter Sunday night Seattle high school student shot, killed in Yakima on Easter Sunday To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
King County infant with measles visited airport, hospital; not connected to previous cases
Public Health – Seattle & King County says they were notified of a measles case in a King County infant, according to a new release Tuesday. They say the infant traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and was at some specific locations at Seattle Children's Hospital while infectious. The infant was at the following public locations while infectious: The individual was likely exposed to measles during recent international travel. The infant had not yet been vaccinated. This is the fifth case of measles in Washington state in 2025, three of which have been infants. Health officials confirmed that this case is not connected to any of the previous local measles cases. In addition, Public Health reports responding to two other measles cases this year among people who traveled through King County but who are not Washington state residents. 'Measles outbreaks are happening in every part of the world. If you are planning international travel, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider about what vaccines may be needed. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles,' said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County, adding that two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 97% protection against infection. To learn more about measles and vaccinations, click here.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles case reported at Sea-Tac Airport, 4th WA case of 2025
The Brief A Canadian resident that flew into Sea-Tac Airport last week was confirmed to have been infected with measles, likely exposed while traveling abroad. This marks the fourth measles case in Washington this year, though health officials say the risk to the general public remains low. The person's vaccine status is unknown. SEATAC, Wash. - Health officials in western Washington say a Canadian resident flew into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while infected with measles. The case was recently confirmed, though the individual was in the Seattle area on April 6 and 7. This marks the fourth measles case in Washington this year. The infected person was likely exposed while traveling abroad, according to Public Health - Seattle and King County. Their vaccine status is unknown. Timeline Officials provided a timeline and list of locations where the individual was in western Washington: April 6, 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Sea-Tac Airport S Concourse (Gate S10), International Arrivals (Customs), Baggage Claim (Carousel 20), Gina Marie Hall (southernmost airport exit) April 6-7, 8:45 p.m. to 7 a.m. - Comfort Suites Tukwila Airport (7200 Fun Center Way) April 7, 4:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. - Sea-Tac Airport S Concourse (Gate S1) The times include the estimated period when the individual was at the location and two hours after, as the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Local health officials say the risk to the general public is low, as most people in King County have immunity to measles through vaccination. However, anyone who was potentially exposed is asked to remain up to date on the MMR vaccine, and to contact a healthcare provider if you develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash. Those exposed and not immune to measles would likely become sick between April 13-28. If you think you were exposed and develop symptoms, avoid potentially spreading the disease by calling a clinic or hospital first before going in person. "Measles is highly contagious and if you don't have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been," said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. "We've seen an increase in measles cases around the world and in the U.S., so it's an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren't protected." Learn more about measles on the Public Health - Seattle and King County website. The Source Information in this story is from a blog and social media posts by Public Health - Seattle and King County. Missing WA grandmother's remains found buried under shed These 2 WA trails rank among best in US, new study finds Reddit: Seattle crosswalk hacked with voice message mocking Jeff Bezos 37 earthquakes recorded in Okanogan County, WA, over the past week Auburn, WA business employee, co-owner speak out after building burns during police search Comedian Jeff Dunham previews his upcoming Tacoma Dome show Seattle woman arrested for pit bull attacks: 'Let him do his thing' To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Potential measles exposure at SEA and nearby hotel
Public Health - Seattle and King County says a Canadian resident with a confirmed measles case traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and stayed at a nearby hotel, according to a news release. Public health says the person was at SEA and a nearby hotel on April 6 and 7, 2025, while infectious. 'Measles is highly contagious and if you don't have immunity, you can get it just by being in an area where a person with measles has been,' said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County. 'We've seen an increase in measles cases around the world and in the U.S., so it's an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren't protected.' The infected person was at the following locations before being diagnosed with measles, said Public Health. 4/6/25 - Approximately 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, S Concourse (Gate S10), to International Arrivals Facility through Customs, baggage claim (Carousel 20), exited airport through Gina Marie Hall (southernmost exit, near international airlines) 4/6/25 - 4/7/25 - approximately 8:45 PM on 4/6 to 7:00 AM on 4/7 - Comfort Suites Tukwila Airport 7200 Fun Center Way Tukwila, WA 98188 4/7/25 - Approximately 4:45 AM – 7:30 AM - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, S Concourse (Gate S1) Public Health says if you were in a location of potential measles exposure, find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Also, 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 an unexplained rash. Public Health says 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 April 13, 2025, and April 28, 2025. Click here for more information about measles and measles vaccination.
