Fraser Health has announced a new measles case in the Lower Mainland, linked to a resident who traveled to Southeast Asia. This case is separate from another reported last month.
If you visited the Royal Columbian Hospital emergency room between 2:30 p.m. on March 3 and 2:30 a.m. on March 4, you may have been exposed to the virus. Public Health is reaching out to those who might have come into close contact with the infected person.
Measles is very contagious and can be transmitted through the air. Fortunately, most Canadians are immune either through vaccinations or past infections.
Symptoms can appear up to three weeks after exposure and may include:
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Red eyes
- A rash that usually begins at the hairline and spreads downward
If you start showing these symptoms, let your healthcare provider know ahead of your visit. This helps them prepare and keep others safe from exposure.
People at higher risk for measles include those who have never had the disease and those who haven’t received two doses of the measles vaccine after turning a year old. If you were born in 1970 or later and haven’t had two doses, you should get a booster shot. This is most effective if given within three days after exposure.
Some individuals, such as babies under six months, pregnant people, and those with specific immune system issues, should avoid the vaccine. If you fall into one of these groups and have been exposed, contact your local Public Health team right away. They might offer medications that can help prevent measles.
If you’re traveling abroad, especially to areas where measles outbreaks are common, it’s crucial to get vaccinated early. Children between six and 12 months should receive an early dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If they’ve already had one dose, they need the second dose at least four weeks later. Adults born after 1970 should ensure they have both doses of the measles vaccine. Those born earlier should get at least one dose if they’re not immune and are traveling to an active outbreak area.
You can get free measles vaccines through Public Health. If you’re in the Fraser Health area, residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope can call 604-702-4906. For those outside these cities, the number is 604-476-7087.
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