Possible measles outbreak in the Fraser Valley
Posted March 8, 2014 3:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CHILLIWACK (NEWS1130) – Fraser Health is warning people in the valley of a possible measles outbreak.
So far there have been two confirmed cases of the highly contagious virus, and the health authority is following up on dozens of linked suspected cases.
The most recent exposure to this highly contagious virus has occurred in a school in Chilliwack in a community with traditionally low immunization rates.
Public Health staff are contacting the affected families directly to offer immunoglobulin or vaccine in order to reduce the chance of the infection developing.
Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the Chief Medical Health Officer for Fraser Health, is urging people who may have been exposed to the virus to contact their local Public Health Unit, “to be cleared before travelling during Spring Break. The potential for this virus to spread as a result is very concerning. This is a timely reminder not to let preventable illnesses stop you from enjoying the things that are important to you.”
Relatively low immunization rates in some parts of Fraser East have led to clusters of the virus in previous years; the most recent being in the Fall of 2013.
If people think they have been exposed to the virus or have developed symptoms, they are advised to see their doctors, but also to notify the doctors office ahead of time.
