Home »
No measles cases confirmed in region
At this time there are no confirmed cases of measles in the Interior Health region, which includes the East Kootenay.
Measles is a serious illness that is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air. Symptoms of measles 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.
Those who are concerned about their potential measles exposure but have no symptoms can call 8-1-1 or their local public health centre to speak to a nurse, Interior Health outlined in a Feb. 20 media release.
Those who have possibly been exposed and have developed the early symptoms of measles should see a doctor. Please call ahead to tell the office you may have measles so the office can take precautions to protect other patients.
Measles Protection
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection. MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe.
Children under the age of 12 months are not vaccinated for measles, so the best way to protect them and other vulnerable people is to make sure others around them are vaccinated. People born before Jan 1, 1970 are considered immune to measles and do not require the vaccine.
Contact your local Interior Health public health centre if you are unsure about your immunization status or to book an appointment.
Interior Health Vaccination Rates
In B.C., children are offered two doses of MMR vaccine; the first at one year of age and the second at four to six years of age.
A single dose of measles vaccine given at 12 to 15 months of age is estimated to be between 85% to 95% effective. With a second dose, effectiveness is almost 100%.
Immunized individuals are also far less likely to get measles, and even if they develop measles infection, are less likely to experience severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
| Two year old up-to-date for MMR 2018 data | |
| East Kootenay | 90% |
| Kootenay Boundary | 81% |
| Okanagan | 86% |
| Thompson Cariboo Shuswap | 86% |
| Interior Health | 86% |
Interior Health will be addressing the issue of measles further tomorrow afternoon.
e-KNOW
