A case of measles has been confirmed in Sparwood, with Interior Health (IH) warning of possible further exposure in the region.
IH said a visitor confirmed to have measles travelled to the B.C. while infectious, and they are reaching out to individuals who are known to be exposed. The risk to the broader public is considered low.
The public is being advised they may have been exposed to the highly contagious viral infection if they were at the McDonald’s restaurant at 2110 Middletown Place in Sparwood on June 8. Specifically, between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“If you have been exposed at the above location 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 1-855-549-6364 to speak with the communicable disease team who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and provide recommendations.” said IH.
No other measles cases have been confirmed in the Interior Health.
Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms which include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes followed by a rash that starts on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days.
“Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital before you visit if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms,” said IH “This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to care for you safely and prevent other people from potential exposure during your visit.” said IH.
If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.
