Interior Health says a visitor travelled through the region while sick with measles

Interior Health is notifying the public about a confirmed case of measles involving a visitor to British Columbia who traveled through the Interior region while infectious.

There are no measles cases in the region at this time and the risk to the broader public is considered low, the health authority said in a public notice made Tuesday afternoon.

IH says it is following up directly with individuals who are known to have been exposed to complete contact racing.

That includes anyone who may have visited Sparwood’s McDonald's at 2110 Middletown Place on June 8 between 3-5:30 pm.

Anyone who may have been exposed at that location and hasn’t been vaccinated against measles or are unsure, are immunocompromised, have an exposed child under one year of age or are pregnant is urged to call 1-855-549-6364 to speak with the communicable disease team.

The team will review each individual’s vaccination history, determine immunity to measles and provide further direction.

IH advises anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles to watch out for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and red/inflamed eyes.

Those initial symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body and lasts for at least three days.

“Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital before you visit if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms,” IH says.

“This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to care for you safely and prevent other people from potential exposure during your visit.”

IH says anyone who believes they may have been exposed but is not showing symptoms to call 8-1-1. Vaccination status can be found here and information about getting the free vaccination can be found by visiting this link.