Baby with measles possibly exposed others on public transit

Health officials warn of potential exposure in Bellevue and Seattle areas

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:35am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structures of a baby's face and upper body, with glowing outlines of the organs and a clinical yet hopeful tone.An X-ray image reveals the internal structures of a baby diagnosed with measles, a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications in young children.Seattle Today

A baby recently diagnosed with measles may have exposed others to the virus in Bellevue, northeast Seattle, and on public transit, according to health officials. This is the third measles case reported in King County so far in 2026, following earlier cases linked to international travel.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. This potential exposure raises concerns about the spread of the disease in the local community, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.

The details

Public Health - Seattle and King County confirmed the infant's measles diagnosis and listed several locations and public transit routes where the baby may have exposed others between April 3 and April 8. These include a Safeway in Bellevue, Metro bus and Link light rail lines, a restaurant in Bellevue, and Seattle Children's hospital. The county has also reported two other recent measles cases in adults who likely contracted the disease while traveling abroad, with potential exposure sites in Shoreline, Kirkland, and Bellevue.

  • On April 3, the infant visited a Safeway in Bellevue from 8-10:15 a.m. and took Metro Bus Route #250 and the Link light rail 2 line throughout the day.
  • On April 5, the infant visited Supreme Dumplings in Bellevue from 2-6 p.m. and again took the Link light rail 2 line and Metro Bus Route #250 throughout the day.
  • On April 8, the infant visited Seattle Children's from 2:55-6:40 p.m.

The players

Public Health - Seattle and King County

The local public health department that confirmed the infant's measles diagnosis and provided details on potential exposure locations.

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What’s next

The risk to the general public is considered low, as most are immune to measles through vaccination. However, unvaccinated individuals who visited the listed locations during the specified times are urged to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if they feel sick.

The takeaway

This measles case highlights the importance of vaccination, especially for young children, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. It also underscores the need for vigilance and prompt reporting of potential exposures to limit the impact on the local community.