International Students from Africa Quarantined in King County Hotel After Measles Exposure

In a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of measles, a group of over a dozen international students from Africa are currently under quarantine in a King County hotel. The students were exposed to measles and have been in isolation since April 10th, as confirmed by several host families who have been accommodating them. Fortunately, none of the students have tested positive for the disease or displayed any symptoms since their exposure.

The organization responsible for bringing these students to the United States has assured KIRO 7 News that they are working closely with the Department of Public Health to implement necessary precautions and prioritize the health and safety of both the students and the community. However, concerns have been raised by some host families about the conditions of the quarantine facility.

Several host families have shared complaints about the accommodations, citing issues such as dirty beds, broken locks on the doors, lack of functioning air conditioning, and unclean refrigerators in the rooms. Parents of the host families have expressed their distress, stating their disappointment with the treatment the students are receiving during their quarantine. One parent even mentioned how some students have run out of clean clothes, necessitating the delivery of new clothes to the facility.

Moreover, these families believe that the students have been in quarantine for a sufficient period of time and should be allowed to leave. They argue that since none of the students have shown any symptoms and it has been almost two weeks since their last potential exposure, it is safe for them to be welcomed into their homes.

In an unfortunate incident related to the hotel, one guest reported that their truck was broken into and thousands of dollars worth of tools were stolen. The guest expressed frustration with the situation, mentioning that it will cost them $900 to repair the damage caused. As a result, they now take their tools inside their room to prevent any further theft.

While some host families acknowledge the complexities involved in handling the quarantine, they believe that alternative solutions should have been explored. They express their concerns, stating that the current measures are insufficient.

According to the organizer of the non-profit organization responsible for the students, the quarantine is expected to end within the next nine days. The King County Department of Health has emphasized that the decision to enforce a 21-day quarantine period aligns with CDC guidelines due to the highly contagious nature of measles. The department also expressed regret over the disruption to the visitors' plans and thanked them for their cooperation in preventing potential disease transmission.

To ensure the privacy of the individuals, the location information of the quarantine facility has not been disclosed. The department has assured that they are adhering to CDC guidelines for infection control and working diligently to provide the best possible options for the students during their stay.

As the students continue to endure their quarantine, the concerns and dissatisfaction expressed by some host families underscore the challenges faced in managing such situations effectively while prioritizing the well-being of those involved.