There are six active measles cases in Northern Health, after a quiet start to the month with no newly reported cases.
According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s update for August 11, the regional health authority is currently home to all of the province’s active cases of the virus. Since the beginning of 2025, 122 of the 174 total reported cases in British Columbia were in Northern Health.
Cases are considered active by the centre for four days after the disease’s namesake rash appears, typically the rash will begin spreading on a person’s face and neck and head downwards towards their legs. This rash may be accompanied by small white spots inside the mouth.
If a person does not have a rash, they are considered to be active carriers of the highly-contagious disease for ten days.
People with the more mild form of the virus may experience a fever, runny nose, or dehydration, according to Northern Health.
To avoid continuing the upwards trend of measles spread in northern B.C., Northern Health reminded residents of the importance of receiving both doses of the measles vaccine.
The measles, mumps, rubella, or MMR, immunization is the most effective way to avoid catching the contagious virus, and can be administered to anyone who is between one-year-old and 54-years-old, and not pregnant. Northern Health said people born before 1970 likely have natural immunity because the illness was so widespread in the pre-vaccine world. Canada’s Public Health Agency said the vaccine is the only true form of long-term protection.
Anyone who believes they may have the measles is asked to contact their healthcare provider in advance, and to not just walk-in to an office, as staff must take the necessary measures to prepare.
