Passenger with measles travelled through Vancouver International Airport: health officials

Another case of measles has been identified at the Vancouver International Airport, health officials announced today.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says that passengers travelling on two international flights through YVR may have been exposed to measles.

A passenger with a confirmed case of measles was on the following flights and at YVR during these times:

• June 24: Philippine Airlines Flight PR 116 departing from Manila International Airport (MHL) at 19:00 and arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 17:15.
• June 24: WestJet flight WJ 458 departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 19:00 and arriving at Manitoba’s James A. Richardson International Airport (YWG) at midnight on June 25.

Passengers on the above flights or at YVR in the international arrivals area, custom and immigration, and baggage check area at the times between the arrival and departure time may have been exposed to the disease.

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.

See also

• YVR passengers potentially exposed to measles: health officials
• Ship full of garbage from the Philippines returning to Canada this weekend
• TransLink deems extending SkyTrain hours later into the night unfeasible