Number of measles patients treated by Northern Health continues to rise

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The number of measles cases in Northern Health’s region has increased again despite efforts to curb the outbreak. 

As of the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) latest numbers, there are 77 patients who have contracted the virus in the Northern Health region this year. 

That is up two from the last update on July 10th, and makes up more than two thirds of the cases across B.C (114). There have been eight reported by both Interior Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, 18 by Fraser Health and three by Island Health. 

There are also two ‘active’ cases being treated by Northern Health, which means it is fewer than four days since the individual developed a rash or, if they haven’t got a rash, fewer than 10 days after they experienced symptoms. The only other ‘active’ case is in the Fraser Health region.

Signs of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red and inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light. The rash typically starts on the face and neck and spreads to the chest, arms and legs.

This comes as various Northern Health professionals have urged everyone to check their vaccination status and warned home remedies like vitamin A and cod liver oil are not comparable prevention methods. 

It is a serious illness that can lead to pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death.

This comes amid various measles exposure warnings in Fort St. John, including at the local emergency room between 3:30 p.m. on July 4th and 2 a.m. on July 5th and between 6:35 a.m. on July 1st and 12:03 a.m. on July 2nd.

Anyone who is experiencing similar symptoms is encouraged to stay at home and connect with their care provider to get tested.