Measles is continuing to circulate in northeastern B.C., and as students head back to school, their caretakers are being urged to confirm they are fully protected from the highly contagious virus.
Northern Health has dominated the provincial measles case count, with the latest report from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control said 73 per cent of the province’s total cases were in the region. The disease control hub’s latest report was issued on the day students returned to school, Sept. 2. It said one of the two active cases in B.C. is within the authority’s boundaries.
Of the total cases this year, the majority have been school-aged youths. The provincial health service reported 48 per cent of patients were five-years-old to 17-years-old.
Towards the end of the previous school year, the health authority sent letters home to parents reiterating the importance of vaccination, which is a simple solution to most people’s measles fears Dr. Jong Kim, Northern Health’s chief medical health officer said.
“I think the main piece of advice is just to ensure that you, and your children, are up to date with these immunizations,” said Kim. “With the measles immunization you are protected from the infection of measles or any severe outcome.”
No school districts in the province mandate any vaccines. Though many, including Peace River North School District 60, require parents or guardians to submit their child’s immunization record. Those who refuse to vaccinate their children must register their children’s records that indicate the assistance was offered and denied.
As a result of optional vaccinations, schools are anticipated to become a hotspot for measles exposures. Fort St John’s Bert Bowes Middle School experienced two day-long exposures last June.
“Children will soon start to gather in schools or child care spaces, and they will interact with more people from outside their households. This means they will be exposed to various infectious diseases,” explained Dr. Martine Lavoie, B.C.’s deputy provincial health officer.
Not everyone is able to be vaccinated — some people may be allergic, others may experience adverse effects, and certain religions prohibit the practice. In any case, Kim said people whose children are unimmunized should prepare to work with their health teams.
“Work closely with your healthcare providers who can support you in assessing ‘what are the potential risks?’,” he explained.
“When there is a case in the schools, and there is an exposure, Northern Health’s public health team ensures that we follow up with the school’s leadership. We also work with parents and families of students who are exposed to ensure they are getting care and information so they can make informed decisions.”
To communicate with parents and teachers, Northern Health said they will be posting exposure locations.
