The Northern Health region is currently seeing a rise in measles cases, as the recent Peace region outbreak continues to spread since early May.
Of the approximately 114 measles cases reported in B.C. since 2024, 77 have been in the Northern Health region.
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, current exposure numbers by regional health authority are as follows:
- Interior Health: 8
- Fraser Health: 18
- Vancouver Coastal Health: 8
- Island Health: 3
- Northern Health: 77
The majority of these cases stem from an outbreak in early June in the North Peace region, particularly around Fort St. John, following an exposure in the community of Wonowon.
There are currently only three active measles cases in BC, two in the Northern Health region and one in Fraser Health.
Dr. Jong Kim, chief medical health officer for Northern Health, told The Citizen that the situation is being closely monitored.
“Right now, the older cases we have seen are in the North Peace area, and we haven't seen the cases go outside there,” said Kim. “We're watching closely if it goes to, like, the South Peace region. So far, we've only been able to confirm cases in the North Peace area.”
There are no active cases in Prince George. However, Kim said the ease of travel and a surge in measles cases in Alberta and Ontario mean many communities are at risk.
“There are risks to measles in Canada right now because of the outbreak spreading across Ontario and Alberta. The cases we're seeing in the North Peace region and some other parts of BC are connected to this national measles situation,” said Kim. “Any community in Canada with people travelling is at risk of measles exposure.”
He added that there has also been a global increase in measles exposures, driven by international travel and a drop in immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kim outlined steps Northern Health is taking to contain and treat the outbreak in the North Peace region.
“Northern Health has set up an emergency operations centre to provide a more focused and co-ordinated response,” he said. “We also have an immunization task force co-ordinating campaigns and measures. Right now, in the North, there are more consultative efforts across the region. We're targeting healthcare workers, making sure they’re immunized so they are protected and also protecting any patient or family entering health-care facilities.”
He added that social marketing campaigns are underway and that Northern Health is ensuring vaccine supplies are available for clinics. Additional measures include enhanced screening protocols and outreach to home-care facilities.
Kim emphasized that immunization is the best defence against measles, noting that even one dose offers long-term protection.
To learn more about measles or to book an immunization appointment, visit: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/measles
