BCCDC reports 10 new measles cases in northeast B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Measles cases are back on the rise in northeast B.C., with Northern Health now accounting for more than 70 per cent of the province’s total. 

According to the October 9th case count update by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), 10 more cases of measles have been reported, all by Northern Health, since October 6th. 

This means Northern Health has reported 220 confirmed cases of measles in northeast B.C. so far in 2025, approximately 75 per cent of all cases in B.C. 

As of October 9th, there have been 292 confirmed cases and 20 probable cases – 19 within the Northern Health region and one within Interior Health – for a total of 312 cases of measles across B.C. in 2025.  

There are currently no active cases of measles in the province. A case is considered active for the first four days following the manifestation of a rash, the first 10 days after non-rash symptoms are observed, or 10 days after being reported in the event of no symptoms being experienced.

Symptoms of measles can include a rash which typically starts on the face or neck before spreading across the torso, a cough, fever, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes.

The BCCDC warns measles is an extremely serious illness, with one in 10 people who contract it hospitalized. Measles can also lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. 

Measles usually spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or breathes, and the virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours. The droplets can infect anyone who touches or breathes them in, and individuals who are not vaccinated against measles are the most at risk for infection.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, or is experiencing symptoms, is urged to contact their primary care provider to arrange for testing. 

To read the complete measles case update, see below.