People using SkyTrain and bus services between Vancouver and Surrey last Wednesday, March 27 may have been exposed to measles, and those without immunization and who develop symptoms should call their doctor’s office, say local health authorities.
Tuesday, April 2, Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health sent out a measles alert noting that someone with an infection acquired abroad may have exposed people to measles at various locations.
The areas of possible exposure include the following:
• The 323 bus between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.
• The Expo line between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m.
• Lobby and elevators at 666 Burrard Street in Vancouver and the Ascenda School of Management, at the same location, between 8:55 a.m. and 2:05 p.m.
The recent case brings the total number of measles infection cases in B.C. to 22 this year.
Meanwhile, health authorities are scouring immunization records for school-aged kids who may not have got all their shots.
Starting this week, letters are being sent to parents whose children who are not up to date with information about mass clinics that are being organized. Pharmacists and family doctors can also give the MMR/MMRV vaccines.
Medical Health Officer Dr. Shovita Padhi said the mass clinics will be held in the coming weeks and while there is no immediate health emergency, “It’s a great opportunity to catch all these kids up.”
In cases where vaccinations are up to date but records are not, parents and guardians are encouraged to take photos of records and email them to [email protected].
Padhi said thousands of letters will be sent out in the coming days as Fraser Healths attempts to inform parents about their child’s vaccination status.
