Health & Fitness
Public Health warns of measles exposure at Renton car dealership, Kent arena
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 21:15 GMT by KIRO-TV🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Public Health Warns of Measles Exposure at Renton Car Dealership Near Kent Arena
A recent public‑health alert from Washington State has sparked concern among residents of the Renton area after a measles case was confirmed at a local car dealership. The Department of Health’s notice, issued on Tuesday, details the exposure risk to employees and customers, outlines the steps the dealership has taken to contain the outbreak, and provides guidance for anyone who may have been in contact with the infected individual. The situation underscores the continued threat posed by measles in a state that has seen a surge in cases in recent months.
The Incident
The dealer in question—Hyundai of Renton—was identified as the site of the outbreak after a single employee, who had recently returned from a trip abroad, began showing symptoms consistent with measles. The employee tested positive on Monday after presenting with fever, rash, and cough. The case was immediately reported to the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH), which initiated a rapid investigation.
According to the WSDH spokesperson, 12 employees at the dealership were identified as having had close contact with the infected employee during the period before symptoms appeared. Those employees are now considered “high‑risk” contacts and are advised to monitor for symptoms over the next 21 days. The dealership has implemented a temporary shutdown of all non‑essential services, closed the showroom and sales floor, and is conducting a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all areas. Employees who have already tested negative are encouraged to continue working but are advised to practice strict hand hygiene and to avoid large gatherings.
The incident occurred in close proximity to the Kent Arena, a local sports and events venue that hosts a wide range of community activities. Though no direct link between the arena and the outbreak has been established, the proximity has raised concerns among attendees of upcoming events, particularly those who may have visited the dealership in the same timeframe.
Public Health Guidance
The WSDH has issued several recommendations for the public:
Vaccination Status Check – Anyone who has not received the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine, or who is unsure of their status, should contact their healthcare provider to determine whether they need a booster dose. Two doses of MMR are required for protection, and a single dose can still provide some immunity.
Watch for Symptoms – Symptoms of measles typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. If any symptoms develop, immediate medical attention is advised.
Isolation – Those who develop symptoms should isolate themselves from others until they are no longer contagious, which is generally until the rash has crusted over.
Contact the Department of Health – Individuals who believe they may have been exposed but are not confirmed cases should contact the WSDH hotline for guidance on testing and possible prophylactic measures.
The department also reminded that measles is highly contagious, with an R0 of 12–18, meaning that an infected person can spread the disease to 12–18 others in a fully susceptible population. The risk is especially high in crowded settings and for individuals who have not been vaccinated.
Impact on the Dealership and Local Community
Hyundai of Renton has already started a campaign to inform its customers. Through email alerts, the dealership’s website, and local radio broadcasts, they have advised patrons to check their vaccination status and to seek medical care if they develop symptoms. The dealership has also provided a link to the WSDH’s official measles page, where visitors can find up‑to‑date information on outbreaks and vaccine recommendations.
Local businesses in the area have taken note of the outbreak. A spokesperson for the Kent Arena said that no one at the venue has been linked to the outbreak, but the arena’s management is reviewing its safety protocols to reassure patrons that the venue remains safe for events. In the meantime, the arena will continue to offer standard health and safety measures, including hand sanitizing stations and the availability of masks for those who wish to wear them.
Broader Context
Washington State’s measles cases have climbed from a single-digit figure in 2022 to a 30‑percent increase in 2023, largely driven by clusters among unvaccinated populations. Public health officials warn that the current outbreak is part of a larger resurgence of measles in the Pacific Northwest, with several cases now linked to travel. They emphasize that community immunity depends on vaccination, especially in areas with high population density.
The WSDH has urged parents to ensure that their children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine by their first birthday, and that adults who have not received a booster should do so promptly. The department’s latest data indicates that states with higher vaccination rates report fewer cases, reinforcing the importance of staying up to date with vaccines.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate risk to the general public appears limited to those who have had close contact with the dealership employee, the situation serves as a stark reminder of measles’ potential to spread quickly in a community. Health officials will continue to monitor the case and any subsequent exposures, and they have requested that residents remain vigilant and cooperate with testing and isolation guidelines.
The dealership’s temporary closure is expected to remain in place until the risk period for exposed employees has passed and the staff has confirmed no further cases. Customers are encouraged to stay informed via the dealership’s website and local news outlets.
For anyone concerned about measles exposure, the Washington State Department of Health offers resources on its website, including a detailed outbreak investigation page, vaccination guidelines, and a toll‑free hotline for questions. Residents are urged to check their immunization records, talk with their healthcare providers, and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their families from this highly contagious virus.
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