Warning of Canada Day measles exposures in Fort St. John ER

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health is warning the public of two new measles exposures in Fort St. John on Canada Day. 

According to a July 8th Facebook post, Northern Health has become aware of two new potential measles exposure locations in the Fort St. John area. 

Both incidents occurred at the Fort St. John Hospital emergency department, with one from 4:35 a.m. to 6:05 a.m. on July 1st and the other from 6:35 p.m. on July 1st to 12:03 a.m. on July 2nd. 

Residents who believe they may have been exposed are asked to monitor for symptoms of measles. 

As of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) latest case count update on July 7th, there are no active cases of measles reported in the Northern Health region, however there have been 71 measles cases in the area so far in 2025. 

The province has had a total of 99 cases in 2025, and currently has one active case of measles in the Fraser Health region. 

The centre considers cases to be inactive if the patient is four days post-rash onset or, in the case of infection without a rash, 10 days after symptoms first begin.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through airborne droplets, and can cause serious or life-threatening complications, with the most susceptible individuals being infants, elderly adults and unvaccinated individuals. 

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.