A lone active case of measles was reported in Northern Health’s northeastern region in the latest update on the virus.
In addition to the northeastern case, one active case was reported in Fraser Health, according to this week’s update from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
Five instances of the virus were also confirmed, but are no longer active, meaning the person is no longer contagious.
“A person with measles can spread the virus to others from four days before to four days after their rash first appears,” explained HealthLink B.C., who say anybody currently infected should avoid sharing food, drinks, and smokes.
The centre added that the rash is a later symptom and may not appear in all cases. In those situations, individuals are considered at risk of spreading the virus for ten days after initial symptoms.
Early symptoms of measles, which typically appear days before the rash, can include white spots inside the mouth, red eyes and a runny nose. The virus is considered highly contagious. Northern Health said a high vaccination rate is required to manage it.
The northeast’s vaccination rate is suboptimal, contributing to measles’ continued spread. Multiple exposures have already occurred in the North Peace this year, including at the emergency room of the Fort St John Hospital.
Northern Health is asking anyone who visited the department overnight from Jan. 17-18 to monitor for symptoms.
“If you have a fever and rash, and think you may have measles, especially if you have been in contact with someone with measles or traveled to an area with a measles outbreak, have yourself examined by a health care provider,” advised HealthLink B.C.
HealthLink B.C., Northern Health and the B.C. CDC said the easiest way to prevent the virus from spreading is to receive the full dosage of a measles-containing vaccine.
