Public alert for measles at 6 locations, including Skookum and Canada Line

Measles. (Shutterstock)

A public health bulletin has been issued by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) after an individual who attended Skookum Festival, used public transit, and visited a number of locations may have exposed others to measles.

VCH says the individual is confirmed to have measles, and as a precaution it is warning anyone who went to these six locations during the listed times that they could have been exposed to the highly infectious disease:

Saturday, Sept. 8 – Skookum Festival, Stanley Park, 5 pm – 1 am
Saturday, Sept. 8 – Aquabus from Olympic Village to Hornby Street, approximate trip start was 3 pm
Saturday, Sept. 8 – Canada Line SkyTrain from Vancouver City Centre to Broadway-City Hall Station, 11 pm – 1 am
Sunday, Sept. 9 – Outdoor Community Block Party at 1188 Quebec Street, 1 pm – 3 pm
Sunday, Sept. 9 – Main Street bus from Terminal Station to Broadway, 3 pm – 5 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 11 – Noodlebox Mount Pleasant (2511 Main Street) – Noon – 6 pm

Anyone who was at these locations during the listed times and has not been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine, nor has had measles disease in the past, is urged by VCH to see a doctor immediately.

Furthermore, individuals who think they have been exposed and are not immune to measles should get immunized within six days of exposure to prevent getting the disease.

Measles is spread through the air, and the symptoms 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. Complications from measles can include brain inflammation, seizures, deafness, brain damage, and death.

Anyone who may have contracted measles from these locations during these dates would begin developing symptoms between September 15 and 29.

Call the doctor’s office prior to making a visit, so that precautions can be taken to protect other patients. People with symptoms should also report their illness to VCH Public Health at 604-675-3900.

Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of major public alerts over potential exposure to measles. These locations have included a BC Ferries sailing, an outdoor pool in New Westminster, Vancouver International Airport, and Maple Ridge Secondary School.

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