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The Center for Disease Control of British Columbia has issued a warning to British Columbians after a measles outbreak in Washington State has brought its governor to declare the state of Friday, emergency.
In January, 32 cases were confirmed in the state, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The number and proximity of the city center provincial health authority has urged residents to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads in the air by coughing and sneezing, as well as by respiratory secretions. The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest. It is important to note that people with measles can infect other people before the onset of symptoms such as fever and rashes.
The best protection against measles is vaccination, says BCCDC.
Travelers to affected communities are at risk of being exposed to measles. British Columbia is generally affected by a few cases of measles each year, usually among under-vaccinated travelers returning from areas of the world where measles is still prevalent.
In 2018, six measles cases were reported among residents of British Columbia. Two cases were contracted during a trip outside Canada and four from imported cases.
The last major measles outbreaks in BC were in 2014 and 2010.
To date, no cases have been reported in British Columbia. related to the current outbreak of the state of Washington.
Measles vaccine is available as a combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is available through your local health unit, family doctor and many pharmacists.
Most people are immunized against measles because they received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine or had contracted the disease before. However, health authorities warn that people born between 1970 and 1994 or who grew up outside of British Columbia may have received only one dose and need it for a while. ;a second.
To find a public health unit anywhere in the province, visit the ImmunizeBC.ca site search.
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