There has been a measles outbreak in the Lower Mainland with 84 cases reported since the second week of March through May 25, 2010.

Cases have been reported from every region of BC.  Most of the cases are unimmunized, partially immunized, or do not have an immunization record to know whether they have been immunized. This highlights the importance of immunization in the prevention of this disease.

BCCDC is encouraging everyone who has not yet been vaccinated against measles, to contact their doctor or health provider to receive the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

Anyone who suspects they have measles should contact their doctor by telephone first or call the HealthLink BC at 811. Avoid arriving unannounced in your doctor’s office or the emergency room because you may infect others while waiting to be seen.

Why should I worry?

• Measles is highly infectious and you don’t need close contact with a case to get infected; even outdoor settings like picnics have been associated with measles transmission.
• If you were born in 1957 or later and you have not been immunized with two doses or don't have a record of immunization, it’s time to get immunized.  Two doses are recommended for everyone born after 1956.
• Routine vaccination for children should be given on time.  The first dose at the 1st birthday, and the 2nd at 18 months of age.

Note:  Symptoms can start as soon as 8 days after a person is infected with the measles virus. A person with measles can spread the virus to others from five days before to four days after their rash first appears.  

What will happen if I or my child gets measles?

Measles starts with a cough, cold-like symptoms and red eyes, and fever. Then a rash starting on the face and neck and spreading to the trunk and limbs appears. Complications are pneumonia affecting the lungs, ear infection, and encephalitis which is infection in the brain. Death can occur although is uncommon. 

Note: If there is a case of measles at your child’s school or daycare, and your child is not up to date with their vaccines, they may be excluded from that setting until 21 days after their exposure.  That’s how long it takes to see whether they have become infected.

This same rule applies to both children and staff in settings like schools and day cares, because infectious diseases spread easily in these places. It also applies to unimmunized health care workers who are exposed to measles cases in emergency rooms and hospitals.