FILE— A measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is seen on a countertop at a pediatrics clinic in Greenbrae, Calif. on Feb. 6, 2015. The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a statement aimed at reminding Canadians that measles is a serious and highly contagious disease and that getting vaccinated is the best protection.

Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Eric Risberg

100 MILE HOUSE —  A case of measles has been confirmed in 100 Mile House.

Interior Health has determined that the infection was likely acquired outside of the province and is not linked to the cases on the B.C. coast, a media release says.

So far this is the only case of confirmed measles in the Interior.

The risk to the broader public is considered low, however Interior Health is following up with people who may have been in contact with the patient. In doing so they aim to determine immunization status and, if necessary, offering post-exposure protection.

Interior Health lists the following locations where people may have been exposed to the highly infectious disease:

Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 – Tim Hortons, 100 Mile House, 4-6:30 p.m.

Friday, March 1, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 7-11 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Market and Canco, Lone Butte, 5-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Interlakes Regional Library, Lone Butte, 5:30-8:15 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Smitty’s Restaurant, 100 Mile House, 2:30-6 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, 2019 – Spruce Hills Resort, 108 Mile Ranch, 4:15-7:30 p.m.

If you think you may have been exposed you could be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Call 1-855-549-6364 to speak with a public health nurse who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and arrange for post-exposure prophylaxis if eligible.

"Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms of measles," the release says. "Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days."

If you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms officials say to call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital. This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to prevent other people from potential exposure.

If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to measles but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.

You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre. For adults and kids over five a pharmacist may also have the vaccine available.

Measles is a serious illness that is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air.

Complications from measles can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, seizures, deafness, brain damage, and death.

Go here for more information on measles.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2019