Another measles exposure occurred last week in the emergency department of Fort St. John Hospital.
The emergency department of the medical facility on 112 Avenue was exposed to measles from 11:06 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, which monitors and tracks the spread of the virus in the province.
Five of the eight reported measles exposures in Fort St. John this November occurred in the emergency department. The disease’s rapid spread in the Peace region is largely the result of low vaccination rates, according to Martin Lavoie, the deputy provincial health officer.
Lavoie and most public health authorities in Canada, including its federal agency, agree on the importance of a highly vaccinated population. 95 per cent of a community should be vaccinated for the spread of the virus to be minimized, per the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The organization advises people who are over the age of one, were born after 1970 and are not pregnant to get immunized.
Residents who received both doses of a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, and are not otherwise considered high-risk, are considered immune by the provincial disease hub. Per their last report, 88 per cent of cases reported in B.C. this year were not fully vaccinated. 86 per cent received none, and 2 per cent received half the recommended amount.
Unvaccinated people should monitor for symptoms and contact any medical office they intend on visiting in advance. This notice allows staff time to prepare and minimize the spread of the virus.
People who have a fever, runny nose, or red eyes should reach out for medical attention, said Northern Health. These signs typically appear a few days before the virus’ signature itchy rash. The rash sets in on a person’s face and neck and spreads down their torso and towards their legs, the health authority explained.
Northern Health advises residents seeking vaccination to contact the Fort St. John Medical Clinic to book an appointment.
