Vancouver Coastal Health has warned Richmondites over the past week to make sure their measles vaccinations are up to date after people infected with the virus visited several public spaces in the city.
The health authority says there's currently an outbreak of the preventable virus. Thirteen cases have been reported so far.
One of those places a person infected with measles went to was the Toys ‘R’ Us at Lansdowne Centre. The Richmond News asked people eating in the nearby food court how they feel near a space with potential for measles exposure.
Vivian Poon
"I knew [measles] was in Richmond, but I didn't know it was in Lansdowne Mall.
You just told me, and I've started to feel worried now."
Poon was with her infant daughter, who has yet to be vaccinated.
Channi Cheema
"There's also lots of kids that go there (to Toys ‘R’ Us), like little children ... I guess it's kind of dangerous."
Keonna Vongsaath-Howe
"Everyone should get shots."
Tashlin Naidoo
"I feel absolutely terrible. I actually live in the area, so that's not fun.
It is a contagious thing. It's an airborne virus. I’m not happy about that."
Gem Carlson
"(Measles) should have been eradicated by now. We don't have smallpox. We don't have polio. That's because of sanitation and vaccinations."
Carlson was also with her infant daughter, who is too young to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine
Wael Jomaa
"Honestly, I just find the whole anti-vaxxer thing is a huge issue. It doesn't matter if it happened here or, say, Toronto. To me, it's still the same thing. I see it as a problem that needs to be dealt with."
