Northern Health officer encourages measles vaccination as cases climb

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — As case counts continue to rise, Northern Health’s chief medical health officer is encouraging residents to get their measles vaccinations if they don’t already have them. 

In the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s June 26th case count update, the province has reported 63 measles cases so far in 2025. 

Of these cases, 41 cases of measles have been reported by Northern Health, eight by Vancouver Coastal Health, seven by Fraser Health, five by Interior Health and two by Island Health.

As of June 26th, there are 13 active measles cases in B.C., with Northern Health reporting nine, Interior Health reporting three and Fraser Health reporting one. There are no active measles cases being reported by Vancouver Coastal Health or Island Health.

The centre considers a case to no longer be ‘active’ if the patient is four days post-rash onset or, in the case of infection without a rash, 10 days after symptoms first begin. 

In an interview with Energeticcity.ca, Northern Health chief medical health officer Dr. Jong Kim explained hospital-goers can expect to see and experience extra precautions including a screening process at hospitals. 

“We screen, we provide care for the people who have potentially had measles outside a nursing department, in a separate room, to reduce exposure,” Dr. Kim said. 

“We are working to ensure we have a good understanding of [the] immunization status of the people who are working in our healthcare facilities, to protect our healthcare workers and community members.”

Dr. Kim also clarified that while measles vaccinations are offered at hospitals, travelling clinics and some pharmacies, further vaccinations are not necessary for those who have received the provincially-recommended two shots. 

Dr. Kim explained he “strongly recommends” individuals check if they are immunized and become so if they are not, as this is the best method of protection.

“[Measles] is different from Covid…It’s a known virus, we have a safe, effective, protective measure in the form of vaccines, so a lot of us are already protected.”

According to the centre, there was a possible measles exposure at the North Peace Regional Airport on Westjet flight WS320 from Fort St. John to Vancouver on June 23rd between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

There have also been community exposures in Wonowon, neighbouring communities and Fort St. John since late May, and an exposure at the Fort St. John Hospital emergency waiting area on June 2nd between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m.