Travellers on Air Canada Flight 66 that arrived in Vancouver on February 11, 2025, advised to monitor for measles symptoms

Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) are advising Yukoners of a potential measles exposure linked to Air Canada Flight 66, which arrived in Vancouver on February 11, 2025, as announced by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious complications, particularly for infants, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Yukoners who may have been on this flight or in contact with affected individuals are advised to monitor for symptoms and follow public health guidance. High risk groups should contact YCDC at 867-667-8323 for guidance.

Those considered high-risk for severe illness include:

• individuals who have never had measles disease;
• those who have not had two doses of the measles vaccine;
• infants under six months of age;
• pregnant people; and
• people with weakened immune system.

Symptoms of measles

Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include:

• fever of 38.3°C or higher;
• cough, runny nose or red eyes; and
• a red, blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after a fever starts.

Individuals who develop symptoms should isolate immediately and call 811 or their health centre or YCDC before visiting any health care facility or provider.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of measles infection, the Government of Yukon encourages all Yukoners to:

• stay up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination; and
• check their immunization records and ensure they have received two doses of the MMR or MMR-V vaccine.

Anyone unsure of their immunization status or requiring a vaccine can contact YCDC or their health care provider.