New case of travel-acquired measles identified in B.C.

Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they were on Air Canada flight AC8801 which landed in Vancouver on April 7, 2025, or if they spent time in the international arrivals area of YVR, including customs or baggage claim, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on April 7, 2025. VCH Public Health recommends that anyone who was at YVR on April 7, 2025:

• Monitor for early symptoms of the infection until April 28, 2025 inclusive.
• Ensure your MMR immunizations are up to date.

Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or previous infection. If someone is not immune to measles and gets exposed, they may develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after the exposure.  Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops a few days later, beginning on the face and then spreading down the body. Measles can be a serious illness with complications that require hospitalization. 

Fortunately, most people are protected from measles through immunization with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Most children receive MMR at 12 months of age followed by a second dose either at 18 months or between 4 to 6 years of age. 

For people who are not fully protected against measles and may have been exposed, Public Health officials are recommending the following:

• If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1970, and have not had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, you should receive a dose of MMR vaccine. If you are uncertain about your immunization history, it is safe to receive a vaccine dose now. Information on where to book an appointment can be found at www.vch.ca/en/health-topics/measles
• If you were born before 1970, you can safely assume that you are likely protected from a measles infection in your childhood.
• Certain people should not get the measles vaccine. These include pregnant people, babies less than six months of age and people with certain immune conditions. If you or your child are in one of these groups, please call your local Public Health team (VCH Public Health: 604-675-3900) as soon as possible and no later than six days after being exposed. You may be advised that you, or your child, receive a medication that can prevent measles disease. This is also provided free of charge.
• For any questions, concerns or if you develop early symptoms of measles, contact our office for advice at 604-675-3900. Please stay home if you are symptomatic until you are able to speak with one of our nurses. 

Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for any symptoms up to three weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of measles, please contact your health care provider before you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent spreading measles to others. 

VCH Public Health is committed to delivering recommended and routine immunizations to protect as many residents in our region as possible. We recommend residents check their immunization records before travelling to areas where measles is spreading. The measles vaccine is provided free at public health units and certain family doctors and walk-in clinics. Pharmacists can immunize adults and children four years and older. Please call ahead to ensure vaccine is available at your preferred location. 

For general information about measles visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles

For information on accessing your immunization history visit Immunization records | HealthLink BC

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa. Learn more at vch.ca.

Contact

Vancouver Coastal Health
media@vch.ca
604.202.2012 (after-hours)