Information bulletin
Measles alert for three YVR flights (Updated)
VANCOUVER, BC – Travelers at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on the following three flights may have been exposed to measles
February 24, 2017:
• China Airlines Flight C132 (Taipei to Vancouver) arriving at 6:10 pm PST
• WestJet Flight WS 412 (Vancouver to Edmonton) departing at 10:20 pm PST
Passengers waiting at Immigration/Customs and the domestic terminal at Vancouver International Airport between 6:10 pm February 24 and 12:20 am February 25 may also have been exposed.
February 27, 2017:
• Air Canada Flight 997 (Mexico City to Vancouver) arriving at 11:22 am PST
Passengers and the public in the Immigration/Customs hall and/or the international arrival exit greeting area between 11:30. am and 2:30 pm February 27 may have also been exposed
Anyone who may have been exposed to measles should watch for signs and symptoms until March 21, 2017.
Travelers should watch for:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- conjunctivitis, or pink eye
- and a red rash.
Travelers who develop these symptoms should see a doctor, and call the doctor’s office before going, so precautions can be taken to protect other patients. Passengers with symptoms should also report their illness to VCH Public Health by calling 604-675-3900.
Most people in B.C. are immune to measles because they’ve had the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination or already had the illness as a child. MMR, which most people in B.C. have received, is safe and effective. Some young adults and those born outside Canada may not be completely immunized against measles.
- People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and do not need a vaccine.
- Those born between 1957 and 1970 should have one dose of MMR if they have not had measles.
- Those born after 1970 should have two doses of MMR after their first birthday.
This case associated with international travel is a reminder that all travellers should ensure they are up-to-date with their measles and other vaccinations before travelling. VCH operates travel clinics in Vancouver and Richmond; call 604-736-9244 for an appointment.
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.2 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
Updated March 4, 2017
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Vancouver Coastal Health after hours media line
Phone: 604-202-2012
