SEATTLE, Wash. — King County health officials announced the second confirmed case of measles in Washington state in 2025.
On March 17, an adult resident of Snohomish County was diagnosed with a positive case of measles.
Seattle & King County and Snohomish County Health Departments said the case is linked to Washington’s first measles case of the year, identified last month.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: King County infant becomes first Washington state case of measles in 2025
In February, public health officials announced a King County infant had been diagnosed with measles. The child was exposed to the disease during international travel.
Officials said the new case was likely exposed to the disease at a location the previous case had visited while contagious.
According to the health departments, there is no risk of measles infection to the general public from the new case.
Health officials said the easiest way to prevent infection is the MMR vaccine.
“Measles exposure in the community puts vulnerable people—especially infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—at serious risk. Measles is highly contagious, but also highly preventable with vaccination, and ensuring people are fully immunized remains our best defense,” said Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for Snohomish County Health Department.
According to the CDC, measles is a serious disease that can cause high fever, rash, ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and, in some cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain.)
For more information about protecting yourself and your family from measles, visit cdc.gov/measles.
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