B.C. is currently free from active measles cases, and there are no newly confirmed inactive cases in the province. The total number of confirmed cases stayed steady from the last update at 265.
This is the first time the provincial centre for disease control’s update showed no changes since June. The highly contagious virus was eliminated from Canada in 1998 – from that year until 2024, the country saw an average of 91 confirmed cases per year.
Northern Health reached the national yearly average for confirmed cases of measles on July 31, and the number has steadily risen since then. The health authority’s current confirmed count is 193 and there were 16 probable cases of the illness.
Nationally, there have been some jumps since 1998, with 752 cases being reported in 2011. This year’s count has already surpassed the 14-year-old record with 4,548 confirmed cases and 353 probable cases.
B.C.’s disease control organization said despite a promising downturn, it’s possible there are still cases in communities.
“Data for the most recent weeks are incomplete due to reporting delays,” the centre said.
As the province hopes to continue having nil cases, the northern Peace region is still subject to a measles exposure advisory by its disease control hub. Northern Health is reminding residents to confirm they, and their children, have received both doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect them from measles, mumps, and rubella.
Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms of measles, including an itchy, red rash, irritated eyes, or a cough, is asked to contact their medical clinic before visiting. Calling in advance allows staff to prepare to limit the virus’ spread.
