Measles outbreak could spread during Spring Break
Posted March 10, 2014 7:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CHILLIWACK (NEWS1130) – An outbreak of measles in the eastern Fraser Valley has been linked to what’s being called a community with “traditionally low immunization rates.”
There have been two confirmed cases of the highly contagious virus in a yet-to-be-identified school in Chilliwack but there are dozens more suspected cases.
Fraser Health says the decline in immunization in the area (the rate is close to zero at some schools) is linked to misconceptions about safety, along with philosophical and religious reasons.
Medical Health Officer Victoria Lee says they’re worried, with Spring Break approaching and many families planning holidays.
“They have been exposed and they may not have developed symptoms yet but they can develop symptoms very quickly. Because this is highly contagious, we want people to check with public health before they travel,” Lee tells News1130.
Public health staff are working with affected families, encouraging immunization. Anyone born after 1957 who has not received the free MMR vaccine is urged to get the shot.
