Health officials are warning the public about a new case of the measles in the Lower Mainland.
The highly infectious disease is transmitted by airborne spread.
A person living in the Fraser Health area travelled abroad to Southeast Asia and acquired the infection, according to Fraser Health. The individual was on Air Canada flight 66 arriving in Vancouver on Feb. 11.
Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed the infection; both health authorities are following up directly with individuals known to have been exposed to the virus.
People on the Air Canada flight and anyone who spent time in international customs or baggage claim between 7 and 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 11 also may have been exposed.
"Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or natural infection,” says a media release.
According to health officials, people are at risk of getting measles if they have never had measles or have not had two doses of the vaccine.
A booster dose of measles vaccine is available. Babies less than six months, pregnant people and people with immune conditions should not get the vaccine. For more information on the vaccine visit the Fraser Health website.
Glacier Media inquired if anyone else has contracted the disease and is awaiting a response from Vancouver Coastal Health.
Symptoms of measles
Measles are spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes that are often sensitive to light.
These symptoms are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. The rash lasts about four to seven days. There may also be small white spots inside the mouth.
Symptoms can start as soon as seven days after a person is infected with the measles virus, according to health officials.
To stop the spread of measles, people who have the disease should stay home for at least four days after the rash first appears, wash hands regularly, cough or sneeze into a tissue and do not share food, drinks or kiss other people.
