Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued a health alert Friday over the risk of measles exposure on three Vancouver International Airport (YVR) flights late last month.
February 24, 2017:
• China Airlines Flight C132 (Taipei to Vancouver) arriving at 6:10 pm PST
• WestJet Flight WS 186 (Vancouver to Edmonton) departing at 10:20 pm PST
Passengers waiting at Immigration/Customs and the domestic terminal at Vancouver International Airport between 6:10 pm February 24 and 12:20 am February 25 may also have been exposed.
February 27, 2017:
• Air Canada Flight 997 (Mexico City to Vancouver) arriving at 11:22 am PST
Passengers and the public in the Immigration/Customs hall and/or the international arrival exit greeting area between 11:30. am and 2:30 pm February 27 may have also been exposed
Anyone who may have been exposed to measles should watch for signs and symptoms until March 21, 2017 that include: fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or pink eye and a red rash.
Travelers who develop these symptoms should see a doctor, and call the doctor’s office before going, so precautions can be taken to protect other patients. Passengers with symptoms should also report their illness to VCH Public Health by calling 604-675-3900.
Most people in British Columbia (BC) are immune to measles because they’ve had the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination or already had the illness as a child. MMR, which most people in B.C. have received, is safe and effective. Some young adults and those born outside Canada may not be completely immunized against measles.
- People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and do not need a vaccine.
- Those born between 1957 and 1970 should have one dose of MMR if they have not had measles.
- Those born after 1970 should have two doses of MMR after their first birthday.
This case associated with international travel is a reminder that all travelers should ensure they are up-to-date with their measles and other vaccinations before travelling.
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