Measles warning issued for Beijing-to-Vancouver flight passengers

VANCOUVER – Passengers on a flight from Beijing to Vancouver are being warned that they could be at risk of getting measles.

Vancouver Coastal Health says a person who arrived in the city on Air China Flight CA991 at 9:30 a.m. on March 3 later developed symptoms of measles and was infectious during the flight.

The health authority says anyone who was on the plane or in the international arrivals area at Vancouver’s airport at that time should ensure they are up to do date with measles vaccinations.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or pink eye, and a red rash, and passengers who suspect they have the disease should call ahead before seeing a doctor so other patients can be protected, especially children under the age of one and adults.

Measles is a highly infectious and potentially deadly disease that spreads through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.

Most people in British Columbia get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as children, but Vancouver Coastal says some young adults and people born outside Canada may not be completely immunized.