Island Health has confirmed a single measles case in the Greater Nanaimo region.
Island Health Public Health is following up directly with individuals who are known to have been exposed to the case at specific locations. The risk to the broader public is considered low.
However, if you were at the following locations during the time listed, you may have been exposed to measles:
- Woodgrove Centre on July 12 between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - specifically Lululemon, Booster Juice and SportChek. If you were not in one of these specific stores during the time noted, the risk to you is extremely low
- Beban Park Golf Course - indoor check in area on July 12 between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
As noted, Island Health's Public Health teams are directly notifying people potentially exposed at locations where affected individuals can be confidently identified.
Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or previous infection.
Individuals exposed to the measles virus should monitor for symptoms that may develop up to three weeks after being exposed. These include fever, dry cough, runny nose and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body.
If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and avoid contact with others. Please inform your health care provider, urgent care centre or hospital before you visit so they can take precautions to mitigate the risk of spreading measles to others. Please wear a mask if you need to visit a clinic, lab or hospital.
People who are at risk of getting measles are:
- Those who have never had measles disease, and
- Those who have not had two doses of a measles vaccine on or after 12 months of age.
For people who are not fully protected against measles and may have been exposed, we recommend:
- If you were born in 1970 or later and have not had two doses of measles vaccine, you should get a booster dose of measles vaccine.
- Certain people should not get the measles vaccine. These include babies less than six months of age, pregnant people, and people with certain immune conditions.
- If you, or your child, are in one of these groups and may have been exposed, please call your local Public Health team as soon as possible. You may be advised that you, or your child, receive a medication that can prevent measles disease. This is also provided free of charge.
If you may have been exposed and have not been vaccinated against measles or are unsure, are immunocompromised, have an exposed child under one year of age, or are pregnant, please call 250-519-3575. The Island Health communicable disease team will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and provide recommendations.
Protect yourself and your family
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Immunization records for yourself and your child can be accessed online through Health Gateway or through your local public health unit or primary care provider.
The measles vaccine is free in B.C. Appointments can be booked through local public health units. For appointments in Nanaimo, please call 250-755-3388.
In First Nations communities, people can also be immunized by their community health nurse at their community health centre or nursing station.
Some primary-care providers and travel clinics also offer vaccinations. Call in advance to check if the measles vaccine is available.
You can also receive the vaccine at a pharmacy. Pharmacies can vaccinate anyone over the age of 4 years old. Find a pharmacy near you on the BC Pharmacy website or call your local pharmacy to check in the measles vaccine is available.
Two doses of measles vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective in preventing this serious illness and last a lifetime. Immunizations are the best defence against measles and other infectious diseases.
For additional information on measles, go to Measles | HealthLink BC.