Kings of Leon concert goes viral, possible measles exposure in Seattle

A woman who traveled to Seattle to attend a Kings of Leon concert, plus several other public places, has been confirmed positive for measles, according to the Washington Department of Health.

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Public health officials say the Whatcom County woman in her 20s became contagious with measles March 26 after visiting a local family with measles linked to an outbreak in British Columbia. She worked at the Lynden Dutch Bakery while contagious. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness with rash, fever, cough, eye irritation, and can be fatal.

The woman traveled to Seattle for a Kings of Leon concert at Key Arena on March 28, when she also was at the Best Western Loyal Inn and the Wasabi Bistro. The next day, she was at Beth’s Café, Aurora Suzuki, Starbucks at First and Pike, and the Pike Place Market. On those same dates she visited several locations in Pierce County, including Celebrity Cake Studio, LeMay Car Museum, Harmon Brewing Company, and some department stores.

Health officials note that the public risk is low except for people who are unvaccinated. Washington typically has five or fewer measles cases per year; so far in 2014, there have been seven.

Measles is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles virus is highly contagious and can remain so for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces.

Symptoms of measles are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Some people who become sick with measles also get an ear infection, diarrhea, or a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death.

Measles can be especially severe in infants and in people who are malnourished or who have weakened immune systems (such as from HIV infection or cancer or from certain drugs or therapies).

To protect yourself, getting vaccinated against the disease is key. In addition, practicing good hygiene such as frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face are two other means.

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