Vancouver Coastal Health confirms its second case of measles this week

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has confirmed a new case of measles in the region.

In a press conference held today, Dr. Althea Hayden stated that the infected person was a minor and that the case was contracted locally.

"Measles is not usually transmitted here," she said.

This is the second case of measles reported by VCH in the past week. On February 9, VCH confirmed that a resident of the area had been diagnosed and was in treatment.

The region includes Vancouver, Richmond, north and west Vancouver, as well as the Sea to Sky Highway, the Sunshine Coast and the Central Coast of British Columbia.

Hayden says that with this new case, people who were in contact with the infected person were notified.

"The general public does not need to worry about the fact that they have been exposed to this case," she said.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes (often sensitive to light), usually beginning 7 to 14 days after exposure. These are followed three to seven days later by a rash that begins on the face and neck, then spreads over the chest, arms and legs and lasts for at least three days. . You may also notice spots inside your mouth that look like small grains of sand on a red base.

• 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 one dose of measles vaccine; children aged 12 months to less than 18 years, health care workers and adults attending post-secondary institutions are required to 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.

"The best way to protect yourself and your children is to check your vaccine records," said Hayden.

DH Vancouver Staff

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