There are now a total of 8 confirmed measles cases in Vancouver

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has confirmed that there is an outbreak of measles in the city.

Dr. Althea Hayden told media late this afternoon there have been a total of eight confirmed cases in the city.

There are five lab-confirmed cases at Jules-Verne Secondary School and Anne-Herbert Elementary School.

See also

• 3 cases of measles confirmed at Vancouver schools
• Growing petition calls for mandatory vaccines in BC schools
• Vancouver Coastal Health confirms second case of measles this week

There is a clinical case confirmed at Rose-Des-Vants Elementary School.

Hayden says that there are also two “suspected cases” she cannot comment on.

Cases are occurring in staff, students, and family members of those who attend the schools.

Hayden confirmed that the measles was brought into this community through travel outside North America.

Hayden says that this outbreak is unrelated to a case involving a gentleman who returned from the Philippines earlier this month.

One patient was at BC Children’s Hospital emergency department while they were infectious and there is a risk of exposure for those who were there at the following times:

• Jan. 21 from 10 am to 6:10 pm
• Jan. 23 from 4:45 pm  to 11:10 pm
• Jan. 24 from 8:13 am to 11:40 am
• Feb. 1 from 2 pm to 6:55 pm

Anyone who was at the emergency department during those times and develops symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately.

Symptoms of measles:

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes (often sensitive to light), typically starting seven to 14 days after exposure.

These are followed three to seven days later by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts at least three days. You may also notice spots inside your mouth that look like small grains of sand on a red base.

• 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.