Vancouver Coastal Health reports new measles cases bringing total to 15

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Vancouver Coastal Health has reported two new cases of measles, bringing the total of infected patients to 15.

2 new cases of measles infection have been reported to VCH. Both cases are related to the school outbreak, & had been receiving follow-up care as they were known to have been exposed to persons with measles infection. Total cases:
15 people.

— Vancouver Coastal Health (@VCHhealthcare) February 27, 2019

“Two new cases of measles infection have been reported to VCH. Both cases are related to the school outbreak and have been receiving follow-up care as they were known to have been exposed to persons with measles infection. Total cases: 15 people,” said the health authority, on Twitter.

In a press conference last week, Dr. Althea Hayden with VCH said that a total of eight measles cases have been confirmed at two French-language schools in Vancouver: Ecole Secondaire Jules-Verne and Ecole Rose-Des-Vents.

Possible exposure to the infection may have also occurred at a Toys R Us location in Richmond, Vancouver International Airport, and several other locations.

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.