More YVR passengers potentially exposed to measles: health officials

Another case of measles has been identified in the Lower Mainland, health officials said today.

Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed in a joint statement that the infection had been contracted abroad.

Health officials from both parties speak directly to those who are known to have been exposed to the virus.

The person lives in the Fraser Health Region and visited several public places while he was infected, including YVR Vancouver International Airport and downtown Lougheed.

Members of the public may have been exposed if they were on the same flight or if they occupied the following locations between the times indicated below:

Saturday, April 13, 2019:

• The International Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) between 10:25 and 16:30
• Japan Airlines (JAL) flight JL018 from Tokyo to Vancouver

Sunday, April 14, 2019:

• Ramada by Wyndham, 631 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
• Sun Star Restaurant (inside the Ramada) between 8.30am and 12pm
• Downtown Lougheed, 9855 Austin Avenue, Burnaby between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm

Anyone who has stayed at these locations on the dates and times indicated should consult their vaccination history and look for the signs and symptoms of measles.

If you think you have been exposed, see your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of measles:

• Check your vaccination record to make sure that you and your children have received two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Your vaccination card or doctor can provide you with this information. Adults 18 years and older, born in 1970 or later, require two doses of measles vaccine; children aged 12 months to less than 18 years, health care workers and adults attending post-secondary institutions must receive two doses; those born before 1970 are generally considered immune.
• If your vaccination record is not up to date, contact your local public health unit.
• Infants under one year old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can be very affected by measles and should contact their health care professional immediately for further evaluation.
• Monitor the symptoms of measles until 21 days after exposure. These include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough / runny nose); sore eyes or sensitivity to light; small spots with a white center inside the mouth; and a red rash lasting four to seven days.