The BC Centre for Disease Control has confirmed six new measles cases in the Northern Health region since July 17, bringing the total number of cases to 83 in the region for the year.
The BC CDC has also announced 16 probable cases of the measles in northern BC. Health officials said the total number of confirmed cases across the province is now 122.
Vaccination rates for measles decreased in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to deputy provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie.
The BC CDC says most of the cases in BC have been located in the Northern Health region, where the disease has found a “pocket” of people who are not immune from vaccination or previous infection.
In June, most of the Northern cases were located in Wonowon and neighboring communities, including Fort St. John. Northern Health is advising those who may have been exposed and develop symptoms to seek medical attention.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes that are often sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. The rash lasts about 4 to 7 days. There may also be small white spots inside the mouth.
- Symptoms can start between 7 and 21 days after a person is infected with the measles virus.
- Measles is a serious illness that can also lead to complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death.
Those who have been exposed to the measles are being asked to stay home and self-isolate for at least four days after a rash first appears.
Medical experts say the best way to protect yourself if you have been exposed to measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. You can contact your local health unit to schedule a measles vaccination appointment.
