A doctor's assistant prepares a measles vaccination in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/dpa, Lukas Schulze
March 22, 2019 - 9:52 AM
100 MILE HOUSE — A second case of measles has been confirmed in 100 Mile House in connection to a previous case from March 9.
Both cases are connected to outbreaks outside of the province and are not linked to the outbreak in Vancouver, an Interior Health media release says. So far these are the only two confirmed cases of measles in the Interior Health region, and the risk to the broader public is considered low.
The health authority is monitoring and following up with people who may have been in contact with the patient to determine if they have the vaccine or not. They are also offering post-exposure protection if necessary.
You may have been exposed to the highly infectious disease if you were at the Interlakes Market in 100 Mile House on Wednesday, March 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact your community health centre to speak with a public health nurse to review your vaccine histoory, determine your immunity, and arrange for vaccinations if needed.
Measles vaccinations are available in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake through the following drop-in clinics.
South Cariboo Health Centre in 100 Mile House:
Friday, March 22, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 23, 2019 – noon to 4 p.m.
Daily from March 25-29, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Williams Lake Health Centre:
Monday, March 25, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, March 28, 2019 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, March 29, 2019 – 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
If you are concerned about being exposed to measles you should watch for the symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash which starts on the face and neck and lasts for at least three days.
Call ahead to your doctor's office or the hospital if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms.
If you think you may have been exposed but you have no symptoms contact 8-1-1 or your local health centre to speak to a nurse.
Vaccines are free at your local community health centre.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2019