Interior health announces second measles case in region
By Interior Health Authority
A second case of measles infection has been confirmed in the Interior Health region, in 100 Mile House.
Interior Health medical health officers have determined that this infection is connected to a previous case of measles in 100 Mile House, confirmed on March 9. Both cases are connected to outbreaks outside of the province and are not linked to cases on the B.C. coast. These are the only confirmed cases of measles in Interior Health at this time.
Interior Health is monitoring and following up with individuals who may have been in contact with the patient to determine immunization status and, if necessary, offering them post-exposure protection. The risk to the broader public is considered low.
If you were at the following location during this time, you may have been exposed to measles.
· Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – Interlakes Market, 100 Mile House, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Please contact your community health centreto speak with a public health nurse who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and arrange for vaccinations if needed.
Measles vaccinations are available in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake through the following drop-in immunization clinics.
South Cariboo Health Centre in 100 Mile House:
· Friday, March 22, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1- 4 p.m.
· Saturday, March 23, 2019 – noon to 4 p.m.
· Daily from March 25-29, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1- 4 p.m.
Williams Lake Health Centre:
· Monday, March 25, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon
· Tuesday, March 26, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1- 4 p.m.
· Wednesday, March 27, 2019 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
· Thursday, March 28, 2019 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
· Friday, March 29, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1- 4 p.m.
Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days.
Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms. This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to prevent other people from potential exposure.
If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to measles but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.
Protect yourself and your family
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre.Your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available.
Measles is a serious illness that is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air. Complications from measles can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions (seizures), deafness, brain damage, and death. For more information on measles, go to www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles
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