One case of measles has been confirmed at the University of British
Columbia and several suspect cases have been identified, the Vancouver
Health Board reported today.
Dr. Patricia Daly, communicable disease consultant with the Vancouver
Health Board, says a staff member in the university’s Financial
Services Dept. has contracted the illness. There have been no confirmed
cases among students although at least two students are under observation.
UBC is the first post secondary institution outside of Simon Fraser
University to have a confirmed case of measles since the outbreak
was reported at SFU in January.
Since Tuesday, public health nurses have vaccinated about 15,000
students, staff and faculty members at UBC.
UBC’s Student Health Service will continue to provide vaccinations
Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Student Health Service is located in Vancouver Hospital and Health
Sciences Centre, Koerner Pavilion, room M334 at 2211 Wesbrook Mall
on the UBC campus.
Individuals who suspect they may have contracted measles are encouraged
to phone their physician or local health unit. They should minimize
contact with others and avoid clinics or hospital emergency rooms,
if possible, until the contagious stage of the disease is completed.
Symptoms of measles can include high fever, cough, conjuctivitis
(red eye) and sensitivity to light, followed by the onset of a red
skin rash.
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