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A week after Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed nine cases of measles in Vancouver, the public health agency confirmed two more cases and possible exposure to Squamish, Whistler, Vancouver, Richmond and Steveston.
Nine of the eleven measles cases in total were connected to two schools in Vancouver, but one of the cases disclosed on Friday, February 22 has no direct link.
The following local places and times may have exposed the public to measles:
February 18: McDonald's in Squamish, from 9:45 to 11:45.
Scandinavian Spa in Whistler from 11am to 7:15 pm
Dr. Althea Hayden stated that VCH recommended that all those who were in these locations at the designated time should consult their vaccination cards and monitor their symptoms for up to 21 days. Those who have not yet been vaccinated can prevent or reduce the severity of measles by getting vaccinated within three days of exposure.
All sites are now safe and should not be closed because the risk of exposure has pbaded.
"I think an epidemic like the one in Vancouver allows us to think about the importance of immunization and to protect ourselves and our children, but also the other members of our community," Geoff McKee said. , the head of health at Squamish.
In the Howe Sound area of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, the minimum measles vaccination rate reported in kindergarten is 80%, compared to 83% in the rest of the health authority.
Squamish elementary schools Squamish and Les Aiglons had a minimum vaccination rate of 93%. The elementary schools of Brackendale and Mamquam followed with 86%, while those of Garibaldi Highlands showed 78%. At Valleycliffe Elementary, the most recent measles vaccination rate was at least 76%, and the Squamish Montessori Elementary vaccination rate was 75%. Stawamus School earned at least 42% and Squamish Waldorf School at least 33%.
"When we saw the 33%, I must say that I was quite surprised," said Gabriel Hull, director of the Squamish Waldorf School. "We collect immunization records from our preschoolers, which is generally 10% to 20% of unvaccinated students."
Hull said the school does not advise parents about vaccinations but provides school records to Vancouver Coastal Health so the public health authority can contact parents directly.
"The 33 per cent may not be an accurate record, but only a record of what Vancouver Coastal Health may have," Hull said. "I understand Waldorf schools.I know that many parents are interested in different modes and forms of health care, that there would be a difference between that and the general public."
In Sea to Sky School District 48, there is no specific vaccination policy. Phillip Clark, Director of Instruction for SD48 Learning Services, said the district was following the guidelines of Vancouver Coastal Health.
The vaccination rate reported by the Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health Surveillance Unit varies from one school to the next. McKee said the rates should be read as a minimum percentage because VCH nurses are not able to get the vaccination records of all students. Providing evidence of immunization – and immunization – is voluntary in British Columbia. McKee said the rates could also be affected if the records are kept by another health authority, province or country. The number of students in each school also affects the overall percentage.
"In some schools with a very small number of students, it only takes a few students to reduce that percentage more significantly," said McKee. "Nevertheless, there are also diverse cultures and beliefs within these communities."
Some children may also have medical reasons for not being able to get vaccinated if their immune system is compromised or they have an underlying problem that would render the vaccine ineffective.
"This is another reason why we hope to increase immunization coverage in other children as much as possible, because we are getting immunity called" group immunity, "said McKee." When we get immunity enough, the disease can not spread in the community and so we can protect children who can not get the vaccine. "
Vancouver Coastal Health recommends that children receive two measles vaccines (among other diseases) before entering kindergarten. It is available free of charge for healthy children aged one year or older. The measles vaccine can also prevent measles if a person who has not already had the vaccine gets vaccinated at the time of exposure.
Vancouver Coastal Health describes measles as a highly infectious disease that does not require direct contact to spread. Symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash extending from the face to the chest. This can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, convulsions, brain damage, deafness and death.
If you think that you or your child has measles, Vancouver Coastal Health will ask you to call your doctor's office before your visit so that he can book you at a time when you are not sick. do not expose other people. You should also call Public Health at 604-675-3900 to report illness and seek advice.
@ Author's rights Squamish leader
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