A confirmed measles case has prompted Fraser Health to issue an alert to passengers on a recent B.C. Ferries sailing, as well as to students at a Metro Vancouver high school.
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Fraser Health says the infected passenger was on board the 7 pm BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Mayne Island on Friday, August 31. Additionally, the patient was present at the Saturna Lighthouse Pub on Saturna Island, on Monday September 3, between 5:30 and 7 pm.
The case was infectious during the time of the ferry trip, confirms Fraser Health, and because it is highly infectious, any unimmunized passengers are at risk of contracting the disease.
Though the specifics have not been made clear, Fraser Health also says this case is linked to a measles alert issued for Maple Ridge Secondary School.
A letter has gone out to students' families warning that students and staff may have been exposed on Tuesday, September 4. The school is offering a measles vaccination clinic at the campus on Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.
Measles is typically known for its rash that starts centrally and spreads for about a three-day period. Those infected may experience fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, prior to breaking out in the rash. The illness, however, can be more severe, and can include complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions, deafness, or brain damage. Particularly vulnerable are infants one and under.
The incubation period (time to develop symptoms after being exposed) for measles is about 10 days but can range from 7 – 21 days, says Fraser Health.
“You are most at risk of measles infection if you are completely unvaccinated against measles,” said Fraser Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Ingrid Tyler. “If you develop any of the symptoms and have a fever, call your doctor and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. They will arrange to see you in a manner that avoids infecting other patients in the waiting room.”
Vaccination against measles is readily available in Metro Vancouver, including in the area covered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.
In August, a measles case was reported at a New Westminster pool.
