Measles outbreak in east Fraser Valley prompts warning

Fraser Health has issued an outbreak warning to residents of Fraser East communities after confirming two cases of measles, with dozens more cases suspected.

The health authority's warning extends to residents living in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope.

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"The most recent exposure to this highly contagious virus has occurred in a school in Chilliwack in a community with traditionally low immunization rates," Fraser Health said in a written statement Saturday afternoon.

"Two confirmed cases of measles have been reported and Fraser Health is following up on dozens of linked suspected cases," it said

Chief Medical Health OfficerDr. Paul VanBuyndersays the agency isconcerned about the potential for the virus to spread during spring break travel.

We are urging individuals who may have been exposed to the virus to contact their local Public Health Unit to be cleared before travelling during Spring Break," he said in a written statement.

"The potential for this virus to spread as a result is very concerning... We are encouraging everyone who has not yet been vaccinated against measles to contact their doctor or health provider to receive the freeMMRvaccine.

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Fraser Health said its staff are contacting affected families directly to offer immunoglobulin or vaccine, which is free to anyone born in or after 1957.

Fraser Healthsays relatively low immunization rates in some parts of Fraser Valley's eastern areas have led to clusters of measles outbreaksin previous years, including an outbreak last fall.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles may develop 7 to 21 days after exposure to an infected person.

Symptoms include a highfever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may appear in the mouth andthroat. A red blotchy rash begins to appear on the face 3 to 7 days after the start of symptoms, then spreadsdown the body to the arms and legs. This rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Symptoms generally last from 1 to 2weeks.

Source: Ottawa Public Health