Vancouver Coastal Health has issued a warning after a measles outbreak in Whistler and Pemberton.
Officials said they have identified four cases of measles in the Sea to Sky areas and are encouraging people to get vaccinated if they aren’t already protected.
The new cases come just weeks after three people were infected with the measles on Bowen Island.
A spokesperson for VCH said the cases are not connected.
Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Martiquet said the infection is highly contagious and spreads airborne through coughing and sneezing.
“Two doses of measles vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Most new cases occur in people who have had no or only one dose of the vaccine,” he said.
Children in B.C. born after 1994 routinely receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, however those born before may have only received one.
People born before 1970 are likely to be immune to the measles.
As well, anyone who has had the measles does not need to be vaccinated.
People with measles are infectious before they develop the typical fever and red rash.
The illness begins with a fever, red eyes, cough and a runny nose.
Comments