Two new active measles cases have been reported in northeast British Columbia following a nightclub exposure in Fort St. John, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
In its first weekly case count of the year, the centre also recorded 11 new inactive cases in the region, bringing the total number of confirmed measles cases since January 2025 to 305. Another 23 probable cases have been identified in the northeast, the agency said.
Within British Columbia, it is the only region reporting active cases and new inactive instances of the highly contagious virus. Part of the cause of the high case count for such a sparsely populated area is a low vaccination rate, which brings a high possibility of the virus spreading after it enters a community, according to Northern Health.
The virus, which primarily spreads through the air, was present at Lonestar Night Club on 100 Avenue in Fort St. John during a New Year’s Eve event. The exposure began at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 and lasted until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the health authority said.
“If you have been exposed, monitor for symptoms of measles,” wrote Northern Health in a public health alert.
Early symptoms of the virus can include red eyes, fever, and white spots inside of the mouth. Typically, these signs will set in before measles’ trademark rash, which will appear on the face and neck and spread downwards, according to the B.C. CDC.
People who are vaccinated do not need to worry, according to the centre’s “measles exposure risk assessment tool.” This survey identifies the likelihood of a person catching the virus if they are exposed.
Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms of the virus should contact the clinic they plan on visiting ahead of time to minimize the virus’ continued spread in the north Peace region.
