Measles case confirmed in Nanaimo with two potential exposure locations

Island Health has confirmed a travel-acquired case of measles in the Nanaimo area and is warning residents about two potential public exposures.

The health authority said the risk to the broader public remains low and its public health team is contacting people known to have been exposed.

However, anyone who visited the following locations on Sunday, July 12th during the specified times may have been exposed:

• Beban Park Golf Course: Indoor check-in area between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
• Woodgrove Centre: Lululemon, Booster Juice or SportChek between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Island Health said the risk is extremely low for people who were elsewhere in Woodgrove Centre and did not enter one of the three identified businesses.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. Most people in Canada are protected through vaccination or a previous measles infection.

Anyone who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms for up to three weeks. Initial symptoms can include a fever, dry cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed several days later by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads down the body.

People who develop symptoms are being asked to stay home, avoid contact with others and call their health-care provider, urgent care centre or hospital before arriving.

This allows staff to take precautions to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

People are considered at greater risk if they have never had measles or have not received two doses of a measles vaccine after turning 12 months old.

Those born in 1970 or later who have not received two doses are encouraged to get a booster.

Babies younger than six months, pregnant people and those with certain immune conditions should not receive the vaccine. Anyone in these groups who may have been exposed should contact public health as soon as possible, as medication may be available to prevent the illness.

People who may have been exposed and are unvaccinated, unsure of their vaccination status, immunocompromised, pregnant or caring for an exposed child younger than one can contact Island Health’s communicable disease team at (250) 519-3575.

Nanaimo residents can book an appointment through public health by calling (250) 755-3369. Pharmacies can also vaccinate anyone over four years old.

According to Island Health, two doses of the measles vaccine are nearly 100% effective and generally provide lifelong protection.

The measles vaccine is free in BC.