Consider getting vaccinated after measles outbreak in Washington State
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Twitter
- Copy Link
PRINCE GEORGE – The surge of measles cases in southern Washington State should not be a concern for northern BC residents unless you’re heading to the area. The outbreak is localized to Clark County for the most part and is mainly affecting unvaccinated children.
Measles is infectious before people develop a fever and rash.
“It’s possible to be infected by someone who doesn’t know that they have measles,” explained Medical Director of the Communicable Diseases & Immunization Service at the BC Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Monika Naus. “You don’t have to share utensils or kiss. Merely being in the same airspace and that can include relatively public areas. We’ve had measles transmissions occur in British Columbia like the Vancouver Airport and in public spaces like that where people may not be aware that they’ve been in contact with a measles case.”
While no cases have sprung up in BC as a direct result of this current outbreak, that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t take precautions. Naus said, “if there are adults who aren’t complete on their measles vaccine series they should absolutely take the opportunity to get vaccinated, especially if they are traveling overseas or, right now, to Clark County.”
