Passengers may have been exposed to measles on B.C. Ferries

Health officials say passengers travelling on the 7 p.m. B.C. Ferries sailing to Mayne Island from Tsawwassen on Friday, Aug. 31, may have been exposed to measles.

Health authorities are also warning that the traveller who had the contagious disease is believed to have visited the Saturna Lighthouse Pub on Saturna Island on Monday, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Fraser Health Authority says a case of measles has been confirmed aboard the vessel, and that the traveller was infectious on the voyage, potentially exposing other passengers.

Measles is a highly infectious disease and people who are not immunized are at risk. Authorities say this case is related to a measles alert issued for Maple Ridge Secondary School.

The incubation period for measles is about 10 days and symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts centrally including on the face and spreads to the limbs and lasts at least three days. Measles can also be a serious infection and lead to more severe illness.

“If you travelled on this ferry during this time period, check your immunization status. You are most at risk of measles infection if you are completely unvaccinated against measles,” said Dr. Ingrid Tyler, Fraser Health medical health officer.

Tyler said anyone who develops symptoms should call their doctor and tell them about being exposed to measles. The doctor can then arrange to see the patient in a manner that avoids infecting other patients in the waiting room.

Also at risk are infants under one year old who have never had measles disease.

If you were born in 1970 and later, to be protected against measles you should have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine (often given as combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or MMR). Those born before 1970 are likely to be immune to measles through a prior measles infection.

Measles can be a serious illness with complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions, deafness, or brain damage. Infants under one year of age and adults who have other health concerns may have more severe illness.