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BC health authority issues warning about potential measles exposure

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued a warning about a potential measles exposure in the province.

It occurred on Oct. 16 at Vancouver International Airport, the health authority said. The individual – who has been kept anonymous – arrived at Terminal M a little before 6 pm and left from gate B17 just after 10:30 pm.

<who> Photo credit: 123RF

The passenger travelled on the following flights:

  • Philippine Airline PR16: Departed Manila at 8:20 pm local time on Oct. 16, arrived at Vancouver International Airport at 5:30 pm PDT on Oct. 16

  • WestJet WS724/Philippine Airline PR3032: Departed Vancouver International Airport at 10:35 pm PDT on Oct. 16, arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 6:09 am EDT on Oct. 17

  • The passenger then flew to Fredericton International Airport in New Brunswick, departing at around 2 pm EDT on Oct. 17. The passenger later tested positive for measles in New Brunswick

According to the BCCDC, anyone on the same flights as the passenger, or at YVR at the same time, could have been exposed to measles.

“Measles is highly infectious and transmitted by airborne spread but most people are immune to it thanks to immunization or natural infection,” BCCDC explained in a public bulletin released on Tuesday.

“People born before 1970 or people who have had measles as a child are also immune. People who are most at risk of infection are those who are completely unvaccinated against the disease, including children under one year of age.”

Symptoms of measles include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Red eyes

  • Rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs and lasts about four to seven days

The BCCDC said symptoms could develop within seven to 21 days of an exposure.

“If you were exposed during travel through Vancouver International Airport on October 16, symptoms could develop as early as October 23 and as late as November 6,” it added.

Anyone who suspects they could have the disease is urged to call their doctor.



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