On March 20, Fraser Health informed Kwantlen Polytechnic University that a student attending classes at the Langley campus has a possible case of measles.
KPU and Fraser Health are treating this situation seriously. Students, faculty and staff who attended the Langley campus on March 17, 18 or 19 may have been exposed to measles.
Please read the entire KPU Fraser Health letter thoroughly to ensure you are fully aware of how you can take steps to protect yourself from this illness both at KPU and in the community at large.
If you develop a fever and cough or other symptoms that may be measles, you should stay at home and keep away from others who may not be immune. Please contact your physician, or phone HealthLinkBC by dialing 8-1-1, for advice as to whether you should seek care in-person.
The health and safety of KPU’s students, faculty and staff are our top priorities. We are monitoring the situation alongside Fraser Health, and will be providing more information as it becomes available.
All KPU campuses and facilities will remain open.
Students, staff and faculty across all KPU campuses have been notified of this possible case of measles. Please check www.kpu.ca regularly for updates.
More information about measles is available via HealthLinkBC and Fraser Health.
Frequently asked questions regarding measles
Who is protected?
According to Fraser Health:
- Individuals with 2 documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine after 1 year of age (MMR is the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella). Two doses of MMR is recommended and available free for all individuals born on or after January 1, 1970 (January 1, 1957 for health care workers).
- Individuals born before January 1, 1970 (January 1, 1957 for health care workers) are considered protected due to natural disease. No MMR immunization is recommended.
- Individuals with a history of measles disease.
If you are not protected against measles (as above), getting a dose of MMR vaccine will not protect you against this exposure to measles. It will only protect you from future exposures. Find out how to view your immunization records here.
If you do need to visit a clinic, it is best to call ahead so that you can be seen quickly and without infecting other people, since this infection can spread to susceptible people quickly in places like waiting rooms and emergency rooms.
If you require further information please visit HealthLinkBC or here for updates.
What are the symptoms of measles?
If you develop a fever, cough and rash, or other symptoms that may be measles, you should stay at home and keep away from others who may not be immune. Contact your physician, who will advise you as to whether you should seek care in-person, or phone HealthLinkBC by dialing 8-1-1.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes (often sensitive to light). These are followed 3-7 days later by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts at least 3 days. You may also notice spots inside your mouth that look like small grains of sand on a red base.
If you do need to visit a clinic, it is best to call ahead so that you can be seen quickly and without infecting other people, since this infection can spread to susceptible people quickly in places like waiting rooms and emergency rooms. Public health unit locations are available here.
Additional vaccination information
Fraser Health is recommending everyone ensure their measles immunizations are up to date. All BC residents born after January 1, 1970 are recommended to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.
KPU is committed to helping students, staff and faculty stay healthy and fulfill the recommendations of Public Health.
The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine can be obtained for free by:
- Making an appointment to visit your family physician. This ensures that your main physician maintains your comprehensive health record.
- Attending most walk-in medical clinics to receive the vaccine if you do not have a family physician (call ahead to confirm that they have the vaccine available).
- Visiting a vaccinating pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions regarding KPU
Is KPU open?
Yes, all KPU campuses are open for classes.
Is KPU Langley open?
Yes, KPU Langley is open for classes. The measles virus can only live on surfaces for a matter of hours and the possible exposure occurred on March 17, 18 and 19.
I was not at KPU Langley on March 17, 18 or 19, what should I do?
Nothing. Normal attendance is possible immediately. No vaccination is required to return to class.
I attended the Langley campus on March 17,18 or 19, now what?
If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your health, please contact your physician, or phone HealthLinkBC by dialing 8-1-1. KPU employees who are concerned about their health should contact Pablo Dobud. KPU students may direct their concerns to Jane Fee.
Links to additional information