Travellers who boarded an Air Canada flight to Vancouver earlier this week are being warned by officials they may have been exposed to measles, following news of a new confirmed case in B.C.
The infected person had travelled East Africa and Asia, before returning home via Air Canada flight AC8801 on April 7, according to a statement released by Vancouver Coastal Health on Thursday.
Travellers who shared the same flight or spent time in the international arrivals area of Vancouver International Airport, including the customs or baggage claim areas, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. that day, may have been exposed.
Anyone who was at the airport April 7 is advised to monitor for early symptoms of infection until April 28, and ensure MMR immunizations, which protect against measles, mumps and rubella, are up to date.
Public health officials from Vancouver Coastal Health are following up directly with individuals who are known to have been exposed to the case, said the statement.
“Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread,” said officials on Thursday.
“Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or natural infection.”
Most children receive the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age, followed by a second dose either at 18 months or between four to six years of age.
If someone is not immune to measles and gets exposed, officials say they may develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after the exposure.
Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops a few days later, beginning on the face before spreading down the body.
Anyone who develops early symptoms of measles is advised to contact VCH’s office for advice at 604-675-3900, and stay home.
