New measles exposure in Dawson Creek emergency room

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health is warning of new measles exposure incidents in Dawson Creek which occurred last week. 

According to a Facebook post from Northern Health at just before 11 a.m. on October 30th, a potential measles exposure has been reported in Dawson Creek. 

At the Dawson Creek and District Hospital emergency room and waiting area, the health authority states individuals may have been exposed to measles on October 21st from 9:09 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on October 24th from 10:54 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Anyone who visited the area during these times is cautioned they may have been exposed to measles, and are urged to monitor for symptoms of the disease. 

Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, red and inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light and a rash that starts on the face and neck before spreading to the torso. 

Measles is highly contagious, and spreads through air and water droplets expelled by an infected person breathing, coughing or sneezing. 

Infections can cause severe health complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, respiratory failure and inflammation of the brain. 

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is urged to contact their primary care provider to get tested. 

According to the most recent report from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), there have been 299 cases of measles so far this year, with as many as 245 being reported in the Northern Health region.