More YVR passengers potentially exposed to measles: health officials

Another case of measles has been identified in the Lower Mainland, health officials announced today.

Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health have confirmed in a joint statement that the infection was acquired abroad.

Health officials from both parties are directly reaching out to those who are known to have been exposed to the virus.

The individual lives in the Fraser Health region and visited several public places while they were infections, including the YVR Vancouver International Airport and Lougheed Town Centre.

Members of the public may have been exposed if they were on the same flight or if they occupied the following locations between the times listed below:

Saturday, April 13, 2019:

The International Terminal at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) between 10:25 am and 4:30 pm
Japan Airlines (JAL) flight JL018 from Tokyo to Vancouver

Sunday, April 14, 2019:

Ramada by Wyndham, 631 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
Sun Star Restaurant (inside the Ramada) between 8:30 am and 12 pm
Lougheed Town Centre, 9855 Austin Avenue, Burnaby between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm

Anyone who was in these locations during the listed dates and times is advised to review their immunization history and watch for signs and symptoms of measles.

If you think you may have been exposed, consult with your physician immediately.

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.