A measles outbreak has been identified in the Lower Mainland, according to the B.C.
Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
Of the 10 laboratory-confirmed and four suspected cases, none had the two doses of measles vaccine needed to ensure full protection against the disease.
The overall risk for the general population remains low due to most children getting vaccinated at around 12 months of age.
“Most years, we see no cases of measles in B.C. because our vaccination rates are high,” said Dr. Monika Naus, immunization director for the BCCDC in a release.
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness is spread through airborne contact. Symptoms begin with a fever, runny nose and cough, with a rash appearing days later.
In an attempt to localize the virus, physicians are required to immediately report suspected cases of measles to public health authorities.
“Whether it’s measles, mumps, rubella, or a host of other vaccine-preventable diseases for which we have vaccines, the best thing anyone can do is to make sure that their vaccinations are up-to-date,” said Naus.
BCCDC offers free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for anyone born after 1956 that has not yet been immunized.
