measles

Measles Outbreak in British Columbia

A measles outbreak began in the Lower Mainland of BC in the second week of March 2010 and has resulted in 84 confirmed cases reported from all regions of the province.

The outbreak affected mainly unimmunized young people and partially immunized adults. Two doses of measles vaccine, given as MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) are recommended for routine vaccination of people born after 1956.

Anyone who suspects they have measles should contact their doctor by telephone first or call HealthLink BC at 811. Avoid arriving unannounced in your doctor’s office or the emergency room because you may infect others while waiting to be seen.

Why should I worry?

Even though the BC outbreak is slowing down, with the last confirmed case starting April 28, measles is on an increase in much of the world right now and can come in to BC through visitors or returning British Columbians.

Travellers to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa are advised to ensure they’re protected from measles, but those traveling outside of the western hemisphere should also check their immunization records and get immunized before departure. Get more information here.

Measles is highly infectious and you don’t need close contact with a case to get infected; even outdoor settings like picnics have been associated with measles transmission.

• If you were born in 1957 or later and you have not been immunized with two doses or don't have a record of immunization, it’s time to get immunized.  If you can't remember whether you have received the MMR vaccine, book an appointment to get it. It is not harmful to be immunized if you're already immune.
• If you were born in 1956 or earlier, the measles vaccine is not needed as you are assumed to be immune because measles was circulating frequently up until about 1970. However, rubella vaccine is recommended for people of any age so a dose of MMR is recommended for all adults because of the rubella component.
• Routine vaccination for children should be given on time. The first dose at the 1st birthday, and the 2nd at 18 months of age.
• One shot of the MMR vaccine is 90-95% effective and two shots bring it up to 99%.

Note: Symptoms can start as soon as 8 days after a person is infected with the measles virus. A person with measles can spread the virus to others from five days before to four days after their rash first appears.

What will happen if I or my child gets measles?

Measles starts with a cough, cold-like symptoms and red eyes, and fever. Then a rash starting on the face and neck and spreading to the trunk and limbs appears. Complications are pneumonia affecting the lungs, ear infection, and encephalitis which is infection in the brain. Death can occur although is uncommon.

Note: If there is a case of measles at your child’s school or daycare, and your child is not up to date with their vaccines, they may be excluded from that setting until 21 days after their exposure. That’s how long it takes to see whether they have become infected.

This same rule applies to both children and staff in settings like schools and day cares, because infectious diseases spread easily in these places. It also applies to unimmunized health care workers who are exposed to measles cases in emergency rooms and hospitals.

About the vaccine

	It's free and recommended for children at 12 and 18 months as part of their other childhood immunizations.
	The MMR vaccine is also free and recommended for adults who have never had measles, mumps or rubella or received the vaccine. If you haven't had the MMR vaccine book an appointment with your public health nurse or doctor.

 

• The measles vaccine is combined with the mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine), so a person can receive protection from several diseases with one shot.
• It's free for anyone who does not have a record of receiving two doses and was born after 1956.
• To get the MMR vaccine, book an appointment with your doctor or local health provider including your local health unit.
• The MMR vaccine is effective in preventing disease caused by these viruses in up to 95 percent of recipients after one dose. After two doses, it is 99% protective. The vaccine is very safe, and far safer than getting measles, mumps or rubella.
• For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and typical side effects, read our BC HealthFile: Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine (14a)
  
  

About the disease

• Measles (red measles) was a common childhood disease before widespread use of vaccines
• Measles is caused by the measles virus
  Measles starts with a cough, cold-like symptoms, red eyes, and a fever, which are followed by a rash
• Complications and deaths are most common in infants less than twelve months old and in adults
  The most common causes of death are pneumonia or an infection of the lungs, and encephalitis which is an infection of the brain by the measles virus
• One person in every 1,000 with measles will get encephalitis. Encephalitis can lead to convulsions, deafness or mental disability
• One person in every 3,000 with measles may die of complications
• For more information on this disease, see the Measles (14b) HealthFile
• More vaccine preventable disease images.

Photos courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention