Vancouver Coastal Health has confirmed two additional cases of measles in the current outbreak.
The health authority is warning the public that they could have been exposed to the virus at various places in Richmond, Steveston and on the Canada Line last week.
The health authority has determined the new measles patients visited the following locations:
This brings the total number of confirmed measles cases in the current Metro Vancouver outbreak to 10. One of the new cases was the result of a transmission from another patient, and the source of the second new infection is still being determined.
“For the majority of people who may have been in contact with confirmed cases it is too late to take preventative action and we are asking them to monitor for symptoms,” the health authority said in a news release. “If you develop symptoms of measles, contact your health care provider.”
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. After a few days, a red blotchy rash will appear on the face and spreads down the body.
If you were born before Jan. 1, 1970, the health authority says you are likely immune since Measles was in wide circulation in Canada back then. People born between 1970 and 1994, or who grew up outside of B.C., may have only had one dose of the measles vaccine and may need another to be fully protected.
If you haven't been fully immunized with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, you can get innoculated for free at a community health centre or City Centre Urgent Primary Care Centre.
