New measles case confirmed in B.C.’s Lower Mainland

A recent case of travel-related measles has been confirmed in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the province to six. Fraser Health officials have reported that the latest case was confirmed in a visitor from Toronto who arrived at Vancouver International Airport on April 20 and then spent five days in Chilliwack.

The public has been urged to be vigilant and watch out for symptoms of the disease, as measles has been making a comeback in Canada. Ontario, in particular, has seen a significant increase in measles cases, with 1,018 confirmed and probable cases reported so far this year.

While health officials in B.C. believe that most people are immune to the disease due to prior vaccination or infection, they are advising the public to monitor for measles symptoms for up to three weeks, as the virus is airborne and highly contagious.

Locations where the public may have been exposed include Vancouver’s airport, as well as an arena and hotel in Chilliwack. Individuals who were on Air Canada flight AC2105 from Toronto to Vancouver on April 20, or who were in the domestic arrivals section at Vancouver airport between 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. PT on that day, are advised to monitor for symptoms.

Similarly, those who were at Chilliwack Coliseum between 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. PT on April 20, or at Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA on First Avenue between 1 p.m. on April 20 and 12 a.m. on April 25, have been told to check for symptoms.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can present with symptoms such as fever, coughing, a runny nose, and a red rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications like brain inflammation, pneumonia, and even death.

Fraser Health is actively reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and advising those at risk to get vaccinated. They emphasize that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV) offer almost 100% effectiveness in the long term.

Individuals who were born in 1970 or later and have not received two doses of the measles vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated. The vaccine is most effective if administered within three days of exposure but can still be effective if received after that timeframe.

If you believe you may be at risk of contracting measles, Fraser Health recommends contacting them to schedule a vaccination appointment. Stay informed and prioritize your health and the health of those around you in the face of this concerning outbreak.