Interior Health reports new measles cases

A 25-year-old Vernon man has been identified as one of the newest cases of measles in the province, bringing the number of cases in the province to 23.

Interior Health says the man recently returned from a trip to India when he came down with measles while still on the plane.

Cases were also reported over the Easter weekend in Lillooet and Williams Lake, in a 37-year-old man and 4-year-old, but those had no travel-history outside of their community, which concerns the health authority because of a recent outbreak on the Lower Mainland.

All three cases occurred in individuals who did not receive the full two-dose measles vaccine, but the Vernon man’s immunization history is uncertain.

“Measles has not been circulating in BC in the past two years, so this is a newly imported virus that is causing illness in those lacking immunity”, says Dr. Rob Parker, IH Medical Health Officer. “This is a vaccine-preventable disease and most children routinely receive two doses of the vaccine between their first and second birthdays. That’s why we’re urging parents to review their kids’ medical records to ensure they’ve received both measles vaccine shots.”

During the last North American outbreak of the disease in 1997, 200 British Columbians were hospitalized.

Individuals between the ages of 32 and 53 may be most at risk and it’s being suggested individuals in that age group who have either not had measles or not had two doses of the vaccine should contact their local health unit for an appointment.

For those children and adults lacking immunity, measles is very contagious and can be a significant and at times, severe illness, according to the IHA. One in 1000 people with measles develops brain inflammation (encephalitis), with other complications like pneumonia common.

One in 3000 will die from measles.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

“¢ Kids or adults with fever, cough and red eyes should stay home from school or work and not expose others, whatever virus is causing their illness.

“¢ If they then develop a red blotchy rash that starts on head, neck and shoulders and then spreads to cover their entire body, they may consider calling their physician.

“¢ Before going to a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic call ahead to identify themselves as possibly having measles, so they can be put in a isolation room right away, and not expose others by sitting in a waiting room with others for a long period of time. If needing to go to a hospital ER for any reason, self-identify upon arriving there so similar precautions can be taken.

“¢ All suspect measles cases should be reported to Public Health immediately, usually by your attending physician.