Island Health has confirmed a single measles case in the Greater Nanaimo region.

Health officials are following up directly with individuals who are known to have been exposed to the case at specific locations. The risk to the broader public is considered low.

Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or previous infection.

Individuals exposed to the measles virus should monitor for symptoms that may develop up to three weeks after being exposed.

That includes fever, dry cough, runny nose and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body.

Island Health says the best way to protect yourself and loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Immunization records for yourself and your child can be accessed online through Health Gateway or through your local public health unit or primary care provider.

Two doses of measles vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective in preventing serious illness and last a lifetime.

For more information, visit Island Health.