A new case of measles has been confirmed in northeastern B.C., according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, which also identified two new exposure sites for the virus in Fort St. John.
Northern Health said the northeast is not the only part of its region with active cases. Two cases have also been reported in the northern interior, which includes Prince George. One newly confirmed inactive case was recorded in Prince George, while the northeast has reported seven confirmed cases since last week’s update.
Northern Health said a new probable case has also been recorded in northeastern B.C., bringing the total number of cases in the region to 308 — 285 confirmed and 23 probable.
In the north of the Peace region, two new exposure sites for the highly contagious disease were reported by Northern Health – who said they occurred late in November, raising the total number of exposures last month to ten in Fort St John.
The earlier exposure occurred on Nov. 24 at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car on 89 Avenue. Unvaccinated people who visited the car rental shop that Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. should monitor for symptoms.
In addition, a second exposure occurred at Fort St. John Hospital’s emergency department, from 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 27 to 3:15 a.m. the following day.
Northern Health is advising anyone who was at the Enterprise or Fort St John Hospital and is unvaccinated or considered at a higher risk of getting the virus should monitor for symptoms. Northern Health said white spots appearing in the mouth are usually a red flag if a person has been exposed and will appear before the rash. Other early signs include a fever, runny nose and irritated eyes.
People looking to be tested should contact the clinic they intend on visiting before walking in to allow staff time to prepare the facility and limit the risk of measles spreading in it.
