FRIDAY
FLICKERING HEAT
MARCH 21, 2014
Abbotsford’s AHLers suffered their 10th loss in 11 games on Wednesday A20
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Measles alert issued at UFV Potential exposure to the disease through family members Vikki HOPES Abbotsford News
The number of measles cases continues to grow in Fraser East, and more alerts have been issued, including to students living on campus at University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, Fraser Health Authority (FHA) announced on Wednesday. Dr. Lisa Mu, an FHA medical health officer, said a letter was sent out Monday at UFV administrators’ request because “a number” of students are from families in Chilliwack and Agassiz who have been exposed to the disease. Mu said Fraser Health is currently
investigating one suspected case at UFV, but, as of Thursday morning, there have been no confirmed cases of the measles in Abbotsford or Mission. Dr. Paul Van Buynder, chief medical health officer, said in a press release that a measles alert was also sent to staff who worked at the Chilliwack Lions Club Music and Dance Festival, which ran from Feb. 4 to March 12. He said measles cases continue to occur in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope and Agassiz. He said there are currently about 80 to 100 cases covering Fraser East. “The most recent cases occurred
in a public school student and a worker in a community retail outlet, thus exposing large numbers of the public during their infectious period,” Van Buynder said. “We are disappointed that people who are showing symptoms of measles are not isolating themselves as requested by Fraser Health and, as a result, other people in the community are being exposed to this infectious disease.” He said that people who have been asked to isolate themselves should do so until after the possible infectious period – 21 days after exposure. The outbreak began during the
first week of March at Mount Cheam Christian School in Chilliwack. The school is led by the Reformed Congregation of North America, which is opposed to vaccination. On March 13, Fraser Health reported that the illness had spread to the general communities, and one child had been admitted to hospital. Anyone with two doses of measles-containing vaccine does not require further immunization. Those with just one does are encouraged to obtain a booster dose as soon as possible. Others can obtain the measles vaccine through their doctor or pharmacy.
GROWERS TOLD TO STOP A7 New federal rules for medical marijuana production come into effect April 1
$1,000 PRIZE PACKAGE A55 Enter the ultimate dish recipe contest, found in the new My City section
HOMELESS TASK FORCE
FUN IN THE SUN
A4 The city establishes a task force to address homelessness in the municipality
Kids spend the afternoon at the playground at Abbotsford Recreation Centre earlier this week as part of the city’s SpringDaze camps. The camps run until March 30, with a variety of activities such as swimming, skating, games and crafts.
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THOUGHT HOUGHT OF THE DAY
How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said