Thursday, July 10, 2025
18.9 C
Fort St. John
19.8 C
Dawson Creek

Canada Day brought a boom of measles to Fort St John Hospital

Canada Day celebrations brought more than just good vibes to the region, with Northern Health confirming two new measles exposures to the city.

Northern Health said both cases were in the emergency department of the Fort St John Hospital in the early morning from 4:35 to 6:05 on July 1, then, nearly 12 hours later, the second risk window opened at 6:35 p.m. and closed at 12:03 a.m. on July 2.

Health experts have advised anyone who was in the emergency department at those times to monitor for symptoms.  

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, early symptoms of measles include fever and sensitivity to light, among others.  

“These symptoms are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs,” said the centre for disease control. 

Symptoms may present themselves seven to 21 days after infection and if a person is infected, they can be at risk of complications – including death.  

Northern Health is responsible for 71 of the 99 reported cases of measles in the province and Fort St John saw a number of different exposure locations in the city during the month of June – including one in the emergency department on June 23. 

Immunity to the highly contagious disease is possible and can be administered as two shots of its vaccine. Unvaccinated people, including children under one-year-old who are too young for the jab, are the most likely to be infected. 

The centre said anyone who believes they contracted the disease should call their healthcare provider in advance, so the clinic has time to prepare and will not put any other patients at risk. 

Tavi Dhillon
Tavi Dhillon
Tavi is originally from Brampton, Ont., and is currently a reporter in Fort St. John, B.C. Her passion for writing and radio brought her to the northeast, where she covers everything happening in the region—from city council to local music. Moving in pursuit of her dreams is nothing new for Tavi, who previously lived in Ottawa while studying journalism at Carleton University. Wherever she goes, home is always where her dog is.

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -