17 measles cases now in Metro Vancouver after new confirmation by health authorities

After two new cases were reported last week, yet another case of measles has been confirmed in Metro Vancouver, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 17.

See also

• Vancouver Coastal Health reports new measles cases bringing total to 15
• Shoppers at Richmond Toys 'R' Us were potentially exposed to measles
• BC schools to require immunization records of all students beginning this fall

The latest case was confirmed yesterday by Fraser Health, and is linked to initial exposures in Vancouver, according to officials.

“We confirmed the most recent case yesterday (Wednesday) in a Fraser Health resident,” said Fraser Health Medical Officer Dr. Aamir Bharmal. “This individual was isolated since their exposure and there is no concern relating to public exposure at this time.”

Bharmal said the health authority is also “aware that there are rumours” of a measles outbreak in Tri-City schools.

However, “we can confirm that there is no measles outbreak at any schools in our region,” he told Daily Hive. “There is also no known measles exposure in any of our schools nor in the community in general.”

Bharmal said Fraser Health “continues to advise individuals who have any of the symptoms of measles, such as a fever or rash, to call 811, their health care provider or public health for guidance on follow-up care.”

People are also reminded to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date.

On February 26, BC’s Health Minister Adrian Dix announced that schools in the province will require the immunization status of all students, beginning this September.

Symptoms of measles:

• Check your immunization records to make sure you and your children have had two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Your immunization record or your doctor can provide you with this information. Adults 18 years of age and older, born in or after 1970 require two doses of measles vaccine; children 12 months to less than 18 years of age, health care workers and adults attending post-secondary institutions are required to have two doses; those born before 1970 are generally considered immune.
• If your immunization record is not up-to-date, contact your local public health unit.
• Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles and should contact their health care professional immediately for further assessment.
• Watch for symptoms of measles until 21 days after exposure. These include a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose); sore eyes or sensitivity to light; small spots with a white centre on the inside of the mouth; and a red rash lasting four to seven days.