Second case of measles identified in B.C.

Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they were on Air Canada Flight 66, arriving in Vancouver on Feb. 11, 2025, or if they spent time in the international arrivals area of YVR, including customs or baggage claim, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Feb 11, 2025. There were no other public exposures, and close contacts are being followed up individually by Public Health.

Families of exposed, unvaccinated infants (under 12 months), pregnant women, and immune-compromised individuals are recommended to contact local public health or VCH Communicable Disease at 604-675-3900. 

Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable disease transmitted by airborne spread. Measles can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage. One out of every 3,000 people with measles may die from complications.

Most people in Canada are immune to measles thanks to immunization or natural infection. There have been no other recent cases in B.C. and no local transmission, however there has been a recent increase in measles activity in the U.S, in other parts of Canada and around the world. Most cases occur in unimmunized people, including international visitors, who have traveled overseas. 

People at risk of getting measles are those who have not had two doses of a measles vaccine and never had measles disease. For people who are not fully protected against measles and may have been exposed, Public Health officials recommend they monitor for any symptoms of measles that develop up to three weeks after being exposed. Symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body.

 If you develop symptoms of measles, please contact your health care provider before you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent spreading measles to others.

 The measles vaccine is highly protective: One dose efficacy is 85-95% and two-dose efficacy approaches 100%. Two doses of measles vaccine have been part of the childhood immunization schedule in BC since 1996, and all students from kindergarten to grade 12 were offered a second dose of measles vaccine in 1996.  Those who have received no doses, or only one dose, of measles vaccine and are born after 1970 should obtain a dose of vaccine now to protect you against current or future exposures.   It is provided free at public health units and certain family doctors and walk-in clinics. Pharmacists can immunize adults and children over five years old. Please call ahead to ensure vaccine is available at your preferred location. For information about measles, measles vaccination and appointment info, visit: https://www.vch.ca/en/health-topics/measles

Parents and caregivers should check that their child's immunization records are up to date and submit any missing immunization records to their local health unit. This will prevent children from missing school in the event of exposure to a measles case. 

For general information about measles visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles

 For information on accessing your immunization history visit https://immunizebc.ca/immunization-basics/immunization-records

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa. Learn more at vch.ca

Contact

Vancouver Coastal Health
media@vch.ca
604.202.2012 (after-hours)