Two new cases of measles in Greater Victoria prompts exposure warning

Two new cases of measles in Greater Victoria prompts exposure warning
CHEK

Island Health has confirmed one new case of measles on the South Island. The health authority confirmed two cases last week. File photo.

File photo.

Island Health is warning the public after two new cases of measles were confirmed in Greater Victoria on Saturday.

Individuals at the following locations may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, but if already immunized or quickly vaccinated can possibly avoid the sickness:

Exposure may have taken place at the following locations but Island Health says immunizations would no longer prevent infection:

The health authority says both the Victoria Health Unit and Saanich Health Unit will be open on Sunday, April 7 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m..

The MMR vaccine will be available at both locations. Each unit will have nursing and administrative staff available to support immunizations and inquiries around vaccination status.

Individuals who present after 4:00 p.m. may not be able to receive their immunization before the unit closes and will need to wait until Monday.

Those who have been possibly exposed are asked to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date. Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest.

If symptoms are noticed the members of the public should contact their health care provider before you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent transmission of measles to others.

For questions on immunizations, Island Health says you can contact your local health unit at:

  • South Island: 250-544-7676 ext. 27545
  • Nanaimo/Ladysmith/Gabriola: 250-755-3388
  • Courtenay/Comox Valley: 250-331-8599
  • Campbell River and area: 250-850-2120
  • Mt. Waddington/Port Hardy: 250-902-6079

Earlier this week, Island Health confirmed their third measles case on the South Island and back in March the first cases made their way to the Island after two people acquired the infection while travelling abroad.

Julian KolsutJulian Kolsut

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