Information bulletin
Measles exposure notification for flights and at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on November 23, 2023
Passengers and staff who were at YVR beyond security checkpoint on November 23, 2023, between 6:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or on the following flights may have been exposed to measles: Air Canada Flight 79 departed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2:17 GST, arrival at YVR at 6:07 PST and Air Canada Flight 206 departed from YVR at 10:36 PST with arrival in Calgary at 1:06 MST.
Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Most people will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or older adults through prior history of measles as a child.
People born in 1970 or later who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine, who are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system may be at risk of measles infection.
- Vancouver Coastal Heath (VCH) is recommending at risk individuals to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles until December 14, 2023.
Symptoms of measles include: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red, blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after start of fever, beginning on face/neck and spreading to trunk, arms and legs. If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your health care provider so that they can arrange to see you without exposing others (example in the waiting room). Please don a mask for your transit.
If you have questions are concerns please call VCH Communicable Disease Control at 604-675-3900.
Measles vaccine availability in the Vancouver Coastal Health region
This is also a good time for at risk individuals and YVR staff to check your immunization history. If you were born in 1970 or later and have received less than two doses of measles containing vaccine, you are recommended to update your protection. Measles vaccine is publicly funded and available at several locations.
- Many primary care and walk-in clinics carry measles vaccine. Please call ahead to make sure the vaccine is available before you visit.
- Vancouver Coastal Health offers measles vaccine by appointment at VCH Immunization Clinics.
- Pharmacies below are currently offering the measles vaccine by appointment for ages 5 years and older. Please call ahead.
| Community | Partner Pharmacy | Address |
|---|---|---|
| North Vancouver | North Vancouver Travel Clinic - Rx | 302-1150 Marine Dr |
| Vancouver | Shoppers Drug Mart #2276 | 4590 Fraser St |
| Richmond | Shoppers Drug Mart #237 | 2286 – 6060 Minoru Blvd |
| Squamish | London Drugs #80 | Unit G – 40282 Glenalder Place |
| Whistler | Shoppers Drug Mart #2126 | 121-4295 Blackcomb Way |
| Qathet/Powell River | Shoppers Drug Mart #276 | 15-7100 Alberni St |
| Sechelt | Pharmasave #257 | 5663 Cowrie St |
| Gibsons | London Drugs #61 | 1-900 Gibsons Way |
Learn more about measles, including symptoms, how it spreads and immunization.
Resources
- BCCDC: Passenger with measles travelled through Vancouver International Airport on Nov 23.
- Information about Measles: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles
- Information about Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine (MMR) vaccine: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles-mumps-rubella-mmr-vaccine
Overview
Measles is a very contagious virus infection. It starts with fever, cough, runny nose and red, sore eyes. After three or four days, a red rash appears on the face and then spreads down over the body. Measles can be serious. Common complications are ear infections and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), deafness, or brain damage. Measles during pregnancy can result in a higher risk of premature labour, spontaneous abortion and low birth weight. In Canada, one person with measles will die for every 3,000 who get sick with it.
Immunizations
People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles, and do not need a vaccine. Those born between 1957 and 1970 should have one dose of MMR if they have not had measles, and those born after 1970 should have two doses of MMR. These vaccines must be received after their first birthday to be effective.