Another case of measles has been confirmed in B.C.'s Lower Mainland – and the public is advised they may have been exposed on the Expo Line.
Public health officials have provided few details on the individual, but said he or she used public transportation while they were infectious. The case is the 22nd confirmed in B.C. this year.
In a joint statement, Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health said exposure may have occurred on March 27 on:
- the 323 Newton Exchange/Surrey Central Station bus, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and noon to 3 p.m.
- the Expo Line between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then again between noon and 3 p.m.
- the lobby and elevators at 666 Burrard St. in Vancouver between 8:55 a.m. and 2:05 p.m.
- the Ascenda School of Management, between 8:55 a.m. and 2:05 p.m.
"If you were in these locations during the exposure period and you develop early symptoms of measles, please call your doctor's office first and tell them that you think you may have measles so they can book you in at a time that will ensure you don't expose others," the statement said.
"This will allow your doctor to take precautions to protect other patients."
Measles is highly contagious, and the virus can live on surfaces and in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person has left.
It is spread through breathing, coughing and sneezing, as well as sharing food or drinks and kissing. Those who have the virus can be contagious as early as four days before they see any symptoms.
Initial signs include fever, diarrhea, coughing, runny nose, red and watery eyes and fatigue. After a few days, a rash begins on the face and spreads across the body. In rare cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, blindness, deafness and even death.
It typically lasts between a week and 10 days.
