Northern Health warns of ‘measles-like illness’ cases in SD60

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health has stated it is investigating cases of a “measles-like illness” within the local school district. 

On June 5th, Northern Health announced on Facebook there were no cases of measles in the region, but warned vaccinations were the most effective method of protection from the disease. 

However, the next day, the health authority clarified to Energeticcity.ca it was aware of a possible “measles-like illness circulating in School District 60.”

However, it said there were currently no lab-confirmed cases of the disease in the Northern Health region and it was working with the school district to identify the illness and educate parents on measles. 

“While there have been no lab-confirmed cases of measles in northern B.C. in more than a decade, measles cases across North America are on the rise,” Northern Health stated.

The highly infectious disease is spread through airborne droplets, and can cause serious or life-threatening complications, with the most susceptible individuals being infants and elderly adults. 

Symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and watery inflamed eyes, small red spots with white or blue-white centres and red, blotchy rashes starting on the face. The rash typically begins between the third and seventh day of illness, and lasts between four and seven days. 

Anyone who is experiencing similar symptoms is encouraged to stay at home and connect with their care provider to get tested. 

According to Northern Health, one in 10 cases of measles will develop ear infections or pneumonia; one in 1,000 will experience permanent brain damage, blindness and deafness due to inflammation of the brain; and one in 3,000 cases result in fatalities. 

Several measles outbreaks have been reported around the world with a decline in immunization rates, and Northern Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated as it is the best form of protection.