Northern Health has confirmed several lab-verified cases of measles in Northeast B.C., including in the community of Wonowon, located approximately 89 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.
Health officials say the initial case appears to have been acquired through travel, but Medical Health Officers now believe the disease is circulating within the community.
Northern Health is warning that members of the public in Wonowon and neighbouring communities, including Fort St. John, may have been exposed to measles in various settings since late May.
Officials also advise that members of the public may have been exposed at the Fort St. John Hospital emergency department waiting area on June 2 between midnight and 4 a.m.
Measles symptoms usually appear between seven and 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops a few days later, starting on the face and spreading downward across the body.
Northern Health advises individuals who may have been exposed to take the following steps:
Stay home and self-isolate
- If you feel well enough, stay home and self-isolate for at least four days after the rash first appears
- Do not attend work, school, childcare or public places
Prevent the spread
- Stay home for at least four days after the rash first appears
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve — not your hands
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or cigarettes, and do not kiss others
Northern Health urges individuals to seek medical care only if they are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, confusion, a persistent high fever, or signs of dehydration.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, call ahead before visiting a health-care provider or emergency department so staff can prepare and prevent further spread of infection.
Anyone who suspects they have been in contact with someone with measles is encouraged to get vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
For more information, visit the Northern Health measles information page.
