The BC Centre for Disease Control alerted travellers and public health officials Wednesday after a person infected with measles landed at YVR late last month.
The individual flew on two China Southern flights on June 23 and 24 traveling from New Delhi to Vancouver, changing plans in Guangzhou.
“Travellers on one or both of these flights, as well as those in proximity to the case who travelled through YVR on Saturday, June 23 may have been exposed,” the BCCDC said in a statement. “Some potentially exposed passengers or flight crew may have been travelling to other destinations including within Canada.”
The infectious individual was on China Southern flight CZ 3028 departing New Delhi on June 23 at 11:55 a.m. and arriving in Guangzhou at 7:40 p.m. The person then flew on China Southern flight CZ 377 departing Guangzhou on June 24 at 12:50 a.m. and landing in Vancouver on June 23 at 9:30 p.m.
“Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread,” the CDC said. “Travellers on one or both of these flights are asked to check their immunization status.”
It is expected that most travelers will be immune to the disease, however some individuals might be more susceptible, including children less than a year old or people who have never been immunized.
The incubation period (the time it takes to develop symptoms after being exposed) for measles ranges from seven to 21 days, so a traveller infected with measles on either flight would expect to develop symptoms by about July 15.
Symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that starts centrally, including on the face, spreads to the limbs and lasts at least three days.
“Measles can be a serious infection and is very infectious to others,” the CDC said.
“If you become ill with any of the above symptoms and suspect you may have measles, call your doctor and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles, so that s/he will arrange to see you in a manner that avoids infecting others in the waiting room.”
Anyone concerned about potential exposure to measles but have no symptoms can call 811 and speak to a nurse.
@JessicaEKerr
