Four cases of measles reported in Whistler and Pemberton

Vancouver Coastal Health is advising people to ensure they have been vaccinated after a reported measles outbreak in Whistler and Pemberton.

The regional health authority said four cases of the infectious disease have been identified, according to a news release issued today (July 12).

Health officials recommend vaccinations for people in the area who have not been immunized against measles. The disease can lead to brain inflammation, deafness, seizures, and death.

“We are advising everyone in Whistler and Pemberton to ensure they are fully immunized against this highly contagious infection,” medical health officer Paul Martiquet said in the release.

“Two doses of measles vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Most new cases occur in people who have had no or only one dose of the vaccine.”

Vancouver Coastal Health says the disease can be transmitted through the air from coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a rash, fever, or runny nose.

Comments

1 Comments

ACMESalesRep

Jul 13, 2013 at 10:22am

This is what happens when we let the anti-vax crowd spout their nonsense as though it has any merit whatsoever. People stop vaccinating their kids, and diseases that we have the means of eliminating come back to haunt us.