There are two active carriers of measles in the northeast – the only confirmed cases currently in British Columbia.
Northern Health has reported a total of 222 confirmed cases in the region, with 209 of those in the northeast. All 19 probable cases of the virus in the health authority also came out of this pocket.
These are the only active measles cases in the province at this time. One of the active cases was reported in the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s report from earlier in the week on Oct. 16. The second active case is new, and depending on the symptoms being presented, it may be considered contagious for four or ten days.
“Measles cases are considered to be active (or) communicable for four days after rash onset,” explained the centre. People who do not get the red, itchy rash the virus is named after are considered contagious for ten days. They are considered active carriers after they test positive for measles or after they begin experiencing symptoms and are linked to an outbreak.
The Peace region has seen several outbreaks in recent weeks, including a prolonged exposure at Dawson Creek and District Hospital and a flight that departed Fort St. John’s North Peace Regional Airport for Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 6.
Anyone who was exposed to these outbreaks is being asked by Northern Health and the provincial agency for disease control to monitor their symptoms. Early signs of the illness may include a fever, runny nose, and irritated eyes.
