Health officials issue public alert for measles at Vancouver International Airport
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued a measles alert due to an infected traveller who recently passed through the airport.
According to BCCDC, the infected individual was on the following flights:
- July 30: Air Canada flight 0004 departing from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) at 4:05 pm and arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 9:25 am The passenger with measles was at YVR prior to boarding the next flight
- July 30: Air Canada Jazz flight 8125 departing Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 1:50 pm and arriving at Portland International Airport (PDX) at 2:47 pm
- Aug 6: Alaska Airlines flight 2536 departing Portland International Airport (PDX) at 9:45 am and arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 10:55 am
The infected traveller then boarded a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship from Vancouver on August 6 at approximately 4 pm.
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Rash that starts centrally including on the face, spreads to the limbs and lasts at least three days
Infected individuals will likely develop symptoms within 7 to 21 days of being exposed.
“If a traveller has been infected with measles from this event, symptoms would develop by about August 27,” said BCCDC.
The BCCDC has issued a warning through the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence to inform Canadian and Pacific Northwest public health officials.
Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Passengers, crew and travellers who may have come into contact with measles are asked to check their immunization status. While it is expected that the majority of travellers will be immune to measles, some individuals may be susceptible, including infants less than one year old or people who have never been immunized against measles.
More information can be found on the BCCDC website.
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