Press release
Measles cases reported in VCH region
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health is following up on two cases of measles involving passengers arriving in Vancouver on a flight from Beijing, China. The two individuals were passengers on Air China Flight CA991, arriving in Vancouver on March 21st.
Both individuals have tested positive for measles, and would have been infectious on the flight. Measles is now rare in Canada, but unimmunized people are at risk. Passengers on this flight who are not up to date for their measles immunizations should call their family physician, Public Health Unit, or walk in clinic to receive an MMR (measles, mumps and Rubella) vaccine as soon as possible.
People born before 1957 are considered immune, and do not need a vaccine. Those born between 1957 and 1970 should have one dose and those born after 1970, should have two doses of measles-containing vaccine.
Measles is highly infectious and spread through the air from someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. People with measles are infectious before they develop the classical red rash and fever, because the illness begins with cold-like symptoms, a cough and runny nose.
Measles can be a serious illness with complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions, deafness, or brain damage. In Canada one person in every 3,000 with measles dies from their infection. Infants under one year of age and adults tend to have more severe illness than older children.
If you, or your child, develop a fever and a rash, you should see a doctor. Please call your doctor’s office before you go, and tell them that you think you or your child may have measles. This will allow your doctor to take precautions to protect other patients. Please also call VCH Public Health at 604-675-3900 to report your illness.
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.4 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.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Dave Lefebvre, Media Relations
Vancouver Coastal Health
Phone: 604-202-2012
