Northern Health has identified multiple lab-confirmed cases of measles in the Northeast BC. community of Wonowon, located approximately 89 km Northwest of Fort St. John.
While it appears the initial case was travel-acquired, Northern Health Medical Health Officers now believe the disease is circulating in the community. Members of the public in Wonowon and neighbouring communities, including Fort St. John, may have been exposed in various settings in the community since late May. In addition, members of the public may have been exposed at the Fort St. John Hospital emergency waiting area on June 2 between the hours of midnight and 4 am.
What you need to know
Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. Those who may have been exposed and develop symptoms should seek medical attention. Please call first before going to your primary care provider’s office, urgent care or emergency department so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or previous infection. If someone is not immune to measles and gets exposed, they may develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after the exposure. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically develops a few days later, beginning on the face and then spreading down the body. Measles can be a serious illness with complications that require hospitalization.
What to do if you think you have measles
- Stay home and self-isolate:
- If you are feeling well enough, please stay home and self-isolate for at least four days after the rash first appears. Do not go to work, school, childcare or public places.
- Prevent the spread:
- Staying at home for at least four days after the rash first appeared.
- Washing your hands regularly.
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve rather than your hands.
- Not sharing food, drinks or cigarettes, or kissing others.
When to seek medical attention
- If you are experiencing severe symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, confusion, persistent high fever, dehydration, or complications), call ahead before visiting your healthcare provider or emergency department. This allows healthcare staff to prepare and prevent further spread of infection.
Do NOT visit the hospital unless seriously ill
- To help our local hospital manage resources, do not visit the hospital or clinic unless you have severe symptoms or have been advised to do so by a healthcare provider.
- If you need advice, you can call the Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811. The Virtual Clinic is available 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
If you have been in contact with someone with measles
- The best way to protect yourself if you have been exposed to measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Please contact the Fort St. John Medical Clinic at 250-263-6000 to schedule a measles vaccination appointment.
More information
Find more information about measles and vaccination.