The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is warning anyone who went to the Skookum Festival, visited Noodlebox Mount Pleasant or the Outdoor Community Block Party, or used public transit in Vancouver at specific times, about a possible measles exposure.
Health authorities have confirmed that someone who attended the festival has measles, and therefore potentially exposed others.
“Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread through the air. People who are not fully immunized against measles or who have never had the disease are at risk of contracting the disease,” says VCH.
If you were at any of the locations during the times listed below, and you have not been fully immunized with two doses of a measles vaccine (such as MMR), nor have had measles disease in the past, then you should see your doctor immediately. If you think you have been exposed and are not immune to measles, you should get immunized within six days of exposure to prevent getting the disease.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest.
Anyone who may have contracted measles from this exposure on the dates listed above would begin developing these symptoms between September 15 and September 29. People who develop these symptoms should see a doctor, and ensure that they call the doctor’s office before going, so precautions can be taken to protect other patients. People with symptoms should also report their illness to VCH Public Health (604-675-3900).
For more information on measles and vaccinations, click here.
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