A week after Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed nine cases of measles in Vancouver, the public health agency has confirmed two more cases and possible exposure in Squamish, Whistler, Vancouver, Richmond and Steveston.
Nine of the 11 total measles cases have been connected to two schools in Vancouver, but one of the cases disclosed on Friday, Feb. 22, has no direct link.
The following local locations and times may have exposed the public to measles:
Feb. 18: McDonald's in Squamish, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Scandinave Spa in Whistler, 11 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Dr. Althea Hayden said VCH is recommending anyone who was in these locations at the listed time to check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Those who have not yet been vaccinated can prevent or reduce the severity of measles by getting vaccinated within three days of exposure.
All locations are now safe to visit, and do not have to be closed since the risk of exposure has passed.
"I think an outbreak like the one in Vancouver allows us to reflect on the importance of vaccination and not only protect ourselves and our children, but also others in our community," Geoff McKee, the medical health officer in Squamish, said.
In the Howe Sound region of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, the reported minimum measles vaccination rate in Kindergarten is 80 per cent, compared to the 83 per cent in the rest of the health authority.
In Squamish, both Ecole Squamish Elementary and Ecole Les Aiglons had a minimum of 93 per cent measles vaccination rate. Brackendale Elementary and Mamquam Elementary followed with 86 per cent, while Garibaldi Highlands Elementary reported 78 per cent. At Valleycliffe Elementary, the latest available vaccination rate against the measles was at least 76 per cent, with Squamish Montessori Elementary reporting 75 per cent. Stawamus School reported a minimum of 42 per cent, while Squamish Waldorf School had at least 33 per cent.
"When we saw the 33 per cent, I have to say I was quite surprised," Gabriel Hull, the principal of Squamish Waldorf School, said. "We do collect vaccination records with our preschool students, and it tends to be 10 to 20 per cent of those students who are not vaccinated."
Hull said the school does not advise parents about vaccinations but does provide school records to Vancouver Coastal Health so the public health authority can contact parents directly.
"The 33 per cent may not be an accurate record, but only the record of what Vancouver Coastal Health may have," Hull said. "I understand given Waldorf schools. I know many parents are interested in different modes and forms of healthcare, that there would be a difference between that and the mainstream."
In Sea to Sky School District 48, there is no specific policy regarding vaccinations. Phillip Clark, the director of instruction for learning services in SD48, said the district follows the guidelines from Vancouver Coastal Health.
The vaccination rate reported by Vancouver Coastal Health's Public Health Surveillance Unit varies from school to school. McKee said the rates should be read as a minimum percentage, since VCH nurses are not able to obtain immunization records for all students. Providing proof of immunization — and getting immunized — is voluntary in B.C. McKee said the rates could also be affected if the records are kept by another health authority, province or country. The number of students in each school also affects the overall percentage.
"In some schools with a very small number of students, it only takes a couple of students to drop that percentage by a larger amount," McKee said. "Nonetheless, there's also diverse cultures and beliefs within these communities."
Some children may also have medical reasons they cannot receive a vaccination if their immune system is compromised or they have an underlying condition that would make the vaccine ineffective.
"Which is another reason why we hope to increase vaccine coverage as much as we can among the other kids because we then get something called ‘herd immunity,'" McKee said. "When we get a high enough level of immunity, the disease can't spread in the community and therefore we can protect those children who can't actually receive the vaccine."
Vancouver Coastal Health recommends children get two vaccine shots against the measles (among other diseases) before they enter kindergarten. It is available for free for healthy children who are one year old or older. The measles vaccine can also prevent measles if someone who has not already had the vaccine gets the shot based at the time of exposure.
Vancouver Coastal Health describes measles as a highly infectious disease that does not need direct contact to spread. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash spreading from the face to the chest. It can lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, seizures, brain damage, deafness and death.
If you suspect you or your child has the measles, Vancouver Coastal Health asks that you call your doctor's office ahead of your visit so they can book you at a time when you won't expose others. You should also call Public Health at 604-675-3900 to report the illness and get advice.
