TWO additional cases of measles infection have been identified in the Lower Mainland. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has determined that one infection is linked to a previously known case of measles. The source of the second infection has not been identified and is under investigation.

For the majority of people who may have been in contact with confirmed cases it is too late to take preventative action and VCH is asking them to monitor for symptoms. If you develop symptoms of measles, contact your health care provider. Call ahead to make sure precautions can be taken to prevent transmission of measles to others.

There have now been 10 cases of measles associated with the current outbreak. One unrelated measles case was identified in Vancouver earlier in February. Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through the air. Close contact is not needed for transmission. The disease can also be spread through sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, or kissing an infected person.

Since a potential community transmission of measles has now been identified, there is an increased chance of further unidentified exposures in the community. A number of specific public venues where people could have been exposed to measles have now been identified. These are:

There are other locations where people may have possibly been exposed and VCH staff have been directly notifying them.

Those who are unimmunized or incompletely immunized are at highest risk. Two doses of measles vaccine are 99 per cent effective at preventing measles.

If you are unimmunized, incompletely immunized, or uncertain of your immunizations, and think you may have been exposed to measles, monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure. The time to develop symptoms after being exposed is usually eight to 12 days, but can be as short as seven and as long as 21 days. 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.

People who are at high risk of severe illness (pregnant women, immune compromised, and those under one year of age) can also get a medicine called immune globulin that reduces the risk of severe illness if given within six days of exposure. Measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine  given within three days of exposure can also provide some protection.

People born before January 1, 1970, and those who have had measles are likely immune. Those born between 1970 and 1994, or grew up outside of B.C., may have had only one dose of measles vaccine and need a second dose to be fully protected. Those born after 1970 who are not fully immunized with two doses of a measles vaccine, and who have not had measles disease in the past, should receive a dose of measles mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre, or the City Centre Urgent Primary Care Centre. Your family doctor and your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available. Call ahead to ensure vaccine is available. A list of locations confirmed to have MMR vaccine for administration as of February 22 is below.

For more information on measles visit the VCH website.