BCCDC reports 12 new measles cases in Northern Health

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Several more new measles cases have been identified by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), including 12 in the Northern Health region.

The latest case count update from the BCCDC — issued on Thursday, August 28th — shows 171 confirmed cases of the virus in the north, up from 159 confirmed cases as of the previous update on August 25th.

Additionally, six other new cases were confirmed in the Fraser Health region, meaning the total number of confirmed cases across B.C. now sits at 233, up from 215. Northern Health makes up roughly 73.4 per cent of all confirmed cases across the province so far this year.

Two more probable cases were also identified by Fraser Health in the August 28th update, bringing the number of probable cases identified across the province so far this year up to 19.

That means the total number of cases in B.C. could be as high as 252.

Nine cases are currently active in the province: eight in the Northern Health region and one in the Fraser Health area.

Cases are considered active for the first four days after a rash begins to manifest, the first 10 days after other symptoms manifest if there’s no rash, or the first 10 days after being reported if the case is asymptomatic.

Beyond the aforementioned rash — which usually begins on the face or neck before spreading across the arms, torso and legs — other measles symptoms include coughing, fever, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light.

Measles is an extremely serious disease; according to the BCCDC, one in 10 people diagnosed with the virus end up hospitalized and it can lead to dangerous health complications like pneumonia.

Last week, Northern Health issued a warning to people who were in attendance at the Fort St. John Hospital emergency department between 1:50 p.m. and 4:20 p.m., saying they may have been exposed to the virus.

Anyone who believes they’re experiencing symptoms of measles is urged to stay at home and contact their primary care provider to book a test for the virus.

To view the full case count update, look below.