Measles alert issued for Vancouver airport travelers

Travellers are being alerted about a potential exposure to measles while at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on June 9 or travelling on two flights through YVR.

A baby with the virus was aboard the following flights and at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR):

• June 9: Air China Limited flight CA 0991 departing from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 15:25 and arriving Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 10:50.
• June 9: Vancouver airport terminal “Main Terminal” at approximately 10:50 with the path of travel through Canada Customs and Immigration area shortly thereafter.
• June 9: Air Canada flight AC 8572 departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 14:00 and arriving at Regina International Airport (YQR) at 17:00.

Passengers on the above two flights or at the YVR location at the times indicated may have been exposed to measles.

Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Passengers, crew and travellers who may have come into contact with measles are asked to check their immunization status.

While it is expected that the majority of travellers will be immune to measles, some individuals may be susceptible, including infants less than one year old or people who have never been immunized against measles.

If you become ill and suspect you may have measles, call your doctor and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles, so that they can arrange to see you in a manner that avoids infecting others in the waiting room.

You can also call your local health unit and ask for the communicable disease nurse. To find a public health unit anywhere in the province, see the site finder on ImmunizeBC.ca.