Measles exposure in Shoreline

Baby with measles. Photo courtesy Science Source

People who are vaccinated are very well protected.

Public Health previously announced that measles cases were identified in two adults who live in north King County and had recently returned from international travel.

Before they were diagnosed with measles, they may have exposed others to the measles virus at multiple locations in Seattle, Kirkland, and Bellevue.

Three locations in Shoreline have been added to the list.

On Saturday, March 21, 2026 between 11am and 3pm they were at Costco, Habit Burger, and the North City Safeway.

Anyone who was at any of these locations during the listed times could have been exposed.

If you were there, find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. If you are not immune, the most likely time you would become sick would be between 3/28/2026 and 4/20/2026.

Call your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as a fever or rash. DO NOT go in person without calling first.

The measles vaccination will give you the best protection. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against the three diseases. Two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.

Information about where to get vaccinated here.

What is measles and how is it spread?

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe health problems and hospitalization. In rare cases, it can be deadly.

The virus lives in the nose and throat and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.

The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People can get infected when they breathe contaminated air or touch their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces.

A person infected with measles can spread the disease to others 4 days before they have a rash through 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles spreads so easily that anyone who is exposed to it and is not immune (such as someone who has not been vaccinated) will probably get the disease.