Four new measles cases hit Western Washington

Four new measles cases have been diagnosed in Western Washington — two in King County, one in Pierce County and another in Snohomish County — bringing the total to 77 measles cases in Washington state this year.

State health officials said they did not know the source of the new infections, but noted that all four victims spent time in the Sea-Tac Airport during their likely times of exposure.

Health officials reported earlier this week that a Pierce County man infected with measles visited several public places while contagious last week, including the Sea-Tac Airport. In a separate case, King County officials issued a warning after a tourist tested positive for measles in late April. He, too, had visited Sea-Tac.

Among the 77 confirmed measles cases in Washington state this year, 71 had been diagnosed in Clark County, prompting a state of emergency declaration from Gov. Jay Inslee in January.

By April 29, the outbreak had been declared finished by Clark County health officials. There had been no new cases in six weeks.

More than two-thirds of confirmed cases have been children aged 10 and under, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

This post will be updated as we receive new information.