Measles alert for passengers on Air China Flights CA 991/AC 6601 on March 21, 2015 and CA 991/AC 6601 on April 4, 2015
From Fraser Health. Cases of measles have been confirmed aboard two separate flights from Beijing, China to Vancouver. The cases were infectious on the flights, exposing other passengers to measles. The first identified flight was Air China CA 991/Air Canada AC6601, arriving on March 21, and the second flight was Air China CA 991/Air Canada AC6601, arriving to Vancouver at 12:15pm on Saturday, April 4. Measles is a highly infectious disease and unimmunized people are at risk.
Passengers on these flights should review their immunization status. People born before 1957 are considered immune, and do not need a vaccine. Those born between 1957 and 1970 should have one dose; and those born after 1970, should have two doses of measles-containing vaccine to be protected. If you are unsure about your status, please consult with your doctor or local public health unit for advice.
More information about measles disease can be found at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile14b.stm
More information about measles vaccination can be found at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile14a.stm
Measles can be a serious illness with complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions, deafness, or brain damage. In Canada, it is estimated that one in 3,000 people who are infected with measles will die. Infants under one year of age and adults who have other health concerns may have more severe illness.
If you, or your child, develop a fever and a rash, you should see a doctor. Please call your doctor’s office before you go, and tell them that you think you or your child may have measles. This will allow your doctor to take precautions to protect other patients. Please also call your local Public Health Unit to report your illness.
More information
For more information, read the BC Centre for Disease Control’s health alert.