June 1, 2007

Information Update: Measles Update 2

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the health status of a group of tourists from Japan who have been kept in Canada for further health assessment for possible measles infection.

We recognize that this situation is difficult and stressful for the students, their parents at home and the tour chaperones. Our goal is to get them home as soon as possible while addressing the public health concern.

On May 31, Quarantine Officers at the Vancouver Airport assessed the health status of 41 members of the tour group prior to their scheduled return flight to Tokyo. These individuals were in contact with a case of measles in their tour group, and been subsequently identified as non-immune to the disease (blood testing indicated they were not adequately vaccinated, or had never been exposed to the virus).

The screening of these individuals was undertaken to ensure they were not sick on board the flight. During the screening, one individual showed early signs of possible measles. As well, because there is a risk that the other non-immune individuals could also develop symptoms and become contagious during the enclosed space on the flight, and because the immune status of the other passengers was not known, these individuals have remained in Canada for further medical assessment and ongoing monitoring.

At this point, only one student is exhibiting symptoms. This student is being monitored closely and is improving. The other individuals are also being monitored for symptoms of illness, and have been asked to report to a Quarantine Officer immediately should any signs of illness develop.

The risk to the community is low because there is high level of immunity to measles within the Canadian population due to the success of our measles vaccination programs. These individuals are not exhibiting symptoms, the period when they would be most infectious. As well, they have been administered immune globin, a medication that can help prevent illness or minimize symptoms, and reduce transmission.

Background

A case of measles in a traveller visiting Canada from Japan was reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada on May 28. The student, after visiting several tourist destinations in Victoria, Vancouver and Burnaby, was admitted to hospital and later confirmed to have measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease that has been virtually eliminated in Canada, but still exists in other parts of the world.

As a precaution, local public health authorities in BC contacted those who may have come in contact with the ill youth to assess their susceptibility to infection and offer preventative medication.

The students and their chaperones were isolated upon arrival in Banff. The students were tested and 41 non-immune individuals were given medication (immune globulin) that can help prevent or delay onset of illness, and minimize symptoms.

The risk of transmission to the general population remains low because most children in Canada routinely receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine between their first and fifth birthdays and most jurisdictions conducted catch-up campaigns with measles containing vaccine in the 1990s.

Keeping up to date with routine immunization is key to measles prevention for Canadians, including those traveling abroad. Two doses of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended and are 99% effective in providing protection from measles.

No cases have been identified in Canada to date in relation to this case. It is possible that there will be sporadic cases and only limited transmission to those who are un-immunized or have received only one dose of MMR vaccine.

There are several outbreaks of measles occurring around the world, including a large outbreak in Tokyo, Japan. Routine immunization of Canadians is key to preventing transmission of disease within Canada. Canadian are advised to contact a travel medicine specialist before travelling internationally.

For more information, please visit:

• Measles Outbreak in Japan
• BC Health Alert
• About Measles