A number of people across the province have recently been diagnosed with the disease. The laboratory-confirmed cases in Northeastern BC represent the first measles cases the North has seen since 2004.

Measles is very contagious and can be a severe illness in those lacking previous exposure to the disease or without adequate immunizations. Children and adults who have had two doses of measles vaccine (MMR) are immune, as are those born before 1957 who very likely had childhood measles.

Northern Health is encouraging individuals born after 1956, who haven’t ever had a measles infection, or who do not recall or have documentation of receiving two doses of measles vaccine (or MMR), to contact their doctor or nearest public health unit to arrange to be vaccinated.

Depending on demand for the vaccine, Northern Health may arrange immunization clinics in some communities.

Health care providers are reminded that measles is a reportable condition which requires immediate notification to public health. Physicians should be alert to measles if they see kids or adults with a rash, fever, cough and sore eyes.

Northern Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control recommend the following to anyone who suspects they may have measles:

•

•

•

•

For more information on Measles, call your local public health unit, your doctor or HealthLink BC at 811. You can also visit  the BC HealthFile on Measles at