Seattle & King County has issued an urgent public health advisory following a confirmed case of measles exposure at a popular Capitol Hill brewery. On Friday, May 2, 2025, a Canadian visitor infected with the measles virus visited Stoup Brewing, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The visitor was contagious at the time and frequented multiple public locations across King County during their stay from April 30 to May 3.
Health officials are urging anyone who was present at Stoup Brewing during the identified time frame to check their measles vaccination status immediately. Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with infected respiratory secretions. The virus is known to remain airborne and infectious for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. This raises the risk of exposure not only for patrons who were present at the time but also for individuals who arrived at the venue shortly afterward.
According to Public Health data, individuals who were exposed on May 2 may begin to show symptoms anytime between May 7 and May 24. Measles symptoms typically start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These initial symptoms are often followed by the appearance of a distinctive rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases, death.
Health authorities stress the importance of immunity in preventing the spread of measles. Individuals are considered immune if they have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, have laboratory-confirmed immunity, or have previously had the disease. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against measles. Vaccination remains the most reliable method of preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants, pregnant individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and is unsure of their immunity status should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Those who develop symptoms are advised not to visit medical facilities in person without calling ahead to alert staff about potential measles exposure, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others in healthcare settings.
This latest incident underscores the importance of community-wide vaccination and awareness of infectious disease threats, particularly in public venues. Public Health — Seattle & King County continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with local businesses and medical providers to ensure prompt response and public safety.
