BCCDC reports six new measles cases in northern B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The number of confirmed measles cases in B.C. so far this year has reached 250, and more than 70 per cent are located in the north.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) latest case count update, eight new cases of the virus have been confirmed in the province, bringing the total for 2025 up from 242 on Thursday, September 4th to 250 as of Monday, September 8th.

Six of those new cases were identified in the Northern Health region, with one more each identified by Fraser Health and Interior Health.

That means there are currently 181 confirmed cases in the Northern Health area — roughly 72 per cent of all cases in the province.

One new probable measles case – which has not been confirmed by a test – was also identified by Northern Health, the only new probable case in the province. 

That brings the total number of probable cases in the province up to 18 — 17 of which were found in the north — which means the total case count across B.C. could be as high as 268.

Regarding active cases, the BCCDC says there are currently seven in total: six in the Northern Health region and one in the Fraser Health region. That’s an increase from the four total active cases reported on September 4th.

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

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red or inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light.

Additional symptoms can include a rash, which will start on the face and neck and spread to the arms, chest and legs over around four to seven days.

Symptoms can start between seven and 21 days after exposure to the virus. Severe cases of measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and even death.

In late August, Northern Health identified a new potential measles exposure incident at the Fort St. John Hospital’s emergency room between 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th and 1 a.m. on Friday, August 29th.

Anyone who thinks they have measles is urged to contact their primary care provider.

To view the full case count update, look below.