Mumps cases rise
The number of people with mumps in the Vancouver Coastal Health region has grown to 41, with the illness now reported in Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver and North Vancouver.
“The average age of patients in this mumps outbreak is 33,” Dr. Althea Hayden, medical health officer at Vancouver Coastal Health said in a news release. “Due to their age, most of those infected with mumps likely only had one dose of mumps vaccine and so were not fully protected against the disease. That’s why we are encouraging everyone between the ages of 22 and 46, if you aren’t sure you’ve had two doses, to get a second dose of the vaccine so that they are fully protected.”
If you were born after Jan. 1, 1970, you need to have two doses of mumps-containing vaccine to be protected.
If you were born before 1970 or know that you have had mumps infection, you are considered protected from natural infection.
For more information about immunization, see ImmunizeBC.ca online or talk to a family physician, nurse practitioner, public health nurse or HealthLink BC (8-1-1).
Chief opposes Kinder Morgan expansion
Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson are in Ottawa this week to express their opposition to the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.
The pair is scheduled to meet with Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr and other cabinet members and MPs and will hold a news conference about the proposed pipeline, which they say would triple the amount of oil-sands bitumen being exported through Vancouver waters.
The Kinder Morgan decision is a major test for the Liberal government’s promises to aboriginal Canadians, Campbell said in a news release. The Squamish Nation, the Musqueam First Nation and Tsleil-Waututh all oppose the pipeline, according to the release.
Extras wanted
The new ABC series “Beyond” is shooting in Squamish this week and they’re looking for local residents between the ages of 15 and 100 years old who would like to work as paid Extras.
Anyone wishing to be considered needs to create a free profile at www.bcfcasting.com.
District seeks input on digital strategy
The District of Squamish is seeking the public’s input as it drafts a new Community Digital Strategy. A survey is now online at squamish.ca.
The strategy aims to “promote greater community connection, support government openness and transparency, attract economic opportunities and close the ‘digital divide’ to ensure a level playing field for all,” according to a district news release.
