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Interior Health has confirmed that the outbreak of measles in Vancouver has not spread to the region.
But medical health officer Dr. Silvina Mema sought to remind people on Wednesday that the best defence against the disease remains the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The area covered by Interior Health has a vaccination rate of 86%, the same as the Okanagan on its own.
Thompson Cariboo Shuswap also has 86%, while East Kootenay’s rate is 90% and the Kootenay Boundary lags with 81%.
Measles is extremely contagious and can spread through the air.
Its symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and inflamed eyes. A rash then follows.
Dr. Mema advised those who fear they may have measles to call 811.
She said those who are uncertain about their immunization status should contact their loca Interior Health centre to book an appointment.
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