University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Unvaccinated traveler sparks Sea-Tac measles alert

Axios Seattle A measles case tied to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the latest sign of the virus’s national resurgence.

Why it matters: Health officials warn that measles — once declared eliminated in the U.S. — is making a comeback, fueled by declining vaccination rates.

Driving the news: A visitor from Arizona, unvaccinated and traveling from an outbreak area, passed through Sea-Tac on Oct. 13 before being diagnosed, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.

  • Officials are urging anyone potentially exposed to check their immunity status.
  • Check here to find specific information about potential areas of exposure within the airport.

State of play: King County has seen four travel-related cases this year; Washington has reported 11 others, local health officials say.

The U.S. has logged nearly 1,600 measles cases in 2025 — five times last year’s total, per health officials.

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