Measles outbreaks are continuing to pop up in the Fraser East communities with the Fraser Health Authority confirming two new cases today.
One case was at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford and the other newly infected person recently worked at the Chilliwack Lions Club Music and Dance Festival.
The health authority sent alerts to students living in residence at UFV and also notified the staff who worked at the music and dance festival.
Dr. Lisa Mu, medical officer with the FHA, said they’re continuing to see measles circulating in the Fraser East communities due to individuals who were exposed to measles, and told to stay home, still out in the community. It’s a practice, Mu says, that’s putting others at risk.
“The most recent cases occurred in a public school student and a worker in a community retail outlet thus exposing large numbers of the public during their infectious period,” said Dr. Paul Van Buynder, FH chief medical health officer.
The infectious period is considered the first 21 days after exposure to the disease. It’s during this time that the public health authority asks people to isolate themselves.
The outbreak began at the Mount Cheam Christian School in Chilliwack during the first week of March. The school, which is governed by the Reformed Congregation of North America, is opposed to vaccinations.
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On March 15, Fraser Health reported a BCIT student in Burnaby had been exposed to measles.
It’s difficult to give an exact number of measles cases because not everyone in the community is willing to speak with public health, Mu said. When pressed, she estimated the number to be around 100.
The health authority is strongly recommending people to get up to date on their vaccinations. Children under the age of five are most at risk and need to get the vaccine from a family doctor or public health clinic.
For more information contact the Fraser Health Authority.
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