Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Victoria. Island Health say in both cases people were infected while traveling abroad, and both sought care at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer says based upon clinical management and prior immunization, he assures risk of transmission is extremely low. But the dates and times that the patients visited the hospital are being released to let others know they may have been exposed:
March 6, 2019 5:00 am -12:30 pm Royal Jubilee Hospital, Emergency Department
March 8, 2019 7:00 am -10:30 am Royal Jubilee Hospital, Outpatient clinic
March 9, 2019 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm Royal Jubilee Hospital, Emergency Department
Island Health asks those who may have been exposed to measles to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure date. Symptoms 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 you develop symptoms contact your health care provider BEFORE you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent transmission of measles to others. Those who never had the measles infection, or who did not have two doses of vaccine, are at highest risk of measles, and are encouraged to get fully immunized. The vaccine is free for everyone.
People who are at high risk of infection -- pregnant women, immune compromised, and those under one year of age -- can also get a medicine called 'immune globulin' that reduces the risk of severe illness if given within 6 days of exposure. Measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine given within 3 to 6 days of exposure also provides some protection.
Health officials say 2 doses of measles vaccine are 99% effective at preventing measles. One dose is 95% effective. In rare cases those who are fully immunized can get measles, but often experience milder illness, and are less infectious.
Free vaccine is available is available from local health units, family doctors, and many pharmacists. All Health Units in Island Health are currently offering additional booked school age immunization appointments. These clinics are scheduled during regular clinic hours, after hours and Saturdays.
Island Health says South Island, Duncan, Nanaimo and Salt Spring Public Health Units are unable to immunize clients aged 19 and older, and advise you to contact your local pharmacy, family doctor or travel clinic. Pharmacists can immunize adults and children over 5 years old. Call ahead to ensure vaccine is available.
In the past 4 weeks Island Health has administered a total of 2,966 measles vaccinations which is more than double than the previous year. In addition to this, Island Health is offering to catch up all vaccines that the client is behind on at the appointment. Public Health continues to offer extra clinics to meet increased requests for immunization appointments.
For general information about measles visit the Island Health website: https://www.islandhealth.ca