You may be seeing news reports of increased measles cases in B.C.
MNBC's Ministry of Health & Wellness would like to share some information in the spirit of our shared Métis value kaa-wiichihitoyaahk—we take care of each other.
Measles is a contagious disease that can have serious complications in those are unvaccinated. When an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the measles virus spreads through the air. You can become infected when you breathe in these droplets or touch objects contaminated with the virus. Sharing food or drinks or kissing someone who has the virus can also put you at risk.
Symptoms appear between seven and 21 days after exposure to the measles virus. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops a few days later, beginning on the face and then spreading down the body.
Measles can cause serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Groups that are at higher risk for complications include infants under 12 months of age as well as pregnant people and others who are unimmunized.
Immunization is the best way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is given as a two-dose series at 12 months of age and around kindergarten entry. It lasts for a lifetime and is 99 per cent effective at preventing measles. People who have two doses of the MMR vaccine and/or were born before 1970 can feel reassured that their risk of contracting measles is very low.
The Province of B.C. is shifting to allow infants aged 6 months to receive the MMR vaccine and anyone who is unsure if they received their second dose can receive a booster.
For more information on measles and how to get vaccinated, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control or Health Link BC.
You can also call Health Link BC 24/7 at 8-1-1.