Yet another measles case has just been confirmed in southern Vancouver Island.
On Wednesday afternoon, Island Health advised the public of one new case of measles infection detected in Greater Victoria.
See also:
- Island Health confirms two cases of measles at Royal Jubilee Hospital
- Third case of measles confirmed in Greater Victoria
- Two new cases of measles confirmed in Greater Victoria
This time, people who were present at the Royal Oak shopping complex on the given dates and times may have been exposed to the infection:
| Date | Time | Location |
| March 26 | 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | 4475 Viewmont Avenue – Royal Oak shopping centre complex, Pennbridge building
|
| March 27 | 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | 4475 Viewmont Avenue – Royal Oak shopping centre complex, Pennbridge building |
“This last case does not appear to be related to the other cases [of measles] at this time,” Cheryl Bloxham, Island Health, told Victoria Buzz.
According to Bloxham, the authority is currently in the process of tracking down the immunization records of some of the patients who have contracted measles.
In the first two incidences, the individuals were Vancouver Island residents who contracted the disease while traveling to Vietnam and sought treatment in Victoria.
At a press conference held after these cases were announced, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Stanwick stated that both individuals both previously received only one dose of the MMR vaccine.
He also pointed out that two people associated with the measles patients had previously received both doses of the MMR vaccine and therefore did not contract the disease despite close contact, which speaks to the importance of immunization.
Symptoms and what to do
If you’ve been exposed to measles, monitor your health for the next 21 days for symptoms of the disease including 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.
Those who have never contracted measles or have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine are at highest risk of measles, and are encouraged to get immunized as soon as possible.
People born after 1970 and have never had the measles infection, or who did not have two doses of vaccine, are at highest risk of measles, and Island Health encourages them to get fully immunized.
Island Health also states that those who believe they now have measles should contact their local health care provider before arriving at the facility so that health care practitioners may take precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.
Contact the following lines for information about measles and treatment:
- South Island: 250-544-7676 ext. 27545
- Nanaimo/Ladysmith/Gabriola: 250-755-3388
- Courtenay/Comox Valley: 250-331-8599
- Campbell River and area: 250-850-2120
- Mt. Waddington/Port Hardy: 250-902-6079
Immunization
Free vaccinations are available from your local health unit, family doctor, and many pharmacists. All Health Units in Island Health are also currently offering additional booked school age immunization appointments scheduled during regular clinic hours, after hours and Saturdays.
In the past 5 weeks Island Health has administered over 3,500 measles vaccinations which is more than double the previous years. In addition, the health authority is offering to catch up all vaccines that the patient is behind on at the appointment.
Prior to this recent increase, BC Centre for Disease Control statistics for 2012 and 2018 have shown that the immunization rate in 7-year-old children on Vancouver Island has decreased by 12-13% on Vancouver Island, and by 7% in B.C. within a 6 year span.
