Measles Cases on the Rise in B.C. with 30 Reported Cases So Far this Year
Measles cases in B.C. are increasing, with a total of 30 reported cases this year, highlighting concerns about vaccination levels and the potential for community spread. The majority of cases are in Northern B.C., with 18 reported cases, including those confirmed via laboratory tests and cases assumed to be measles based on symptoms and exposure. The rise in cases is a concern as measles was eradicated in Canada as of 1998, with an average of 91 cases per year reported from 1998 to 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Measles cases in B.C. are on the rise, with 30 reported cases so far this year, including those confirmed via laboratory tests and cases assumed to be measles based on symptoms and exposure.
- Northern B.C. has reported 18 cases, with Fraser Health reporting four cases and Vancouver Coastal Health reporting eight cases.
- One case is thought to have originated out of province but was diagnosed in B.C.
- Measles vaccination levels have dropped, contributing to the rise in cases.
- Most reported measles cases are in Ontario and Alberta.
- Symptoms of measles include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and can lead to pneumonia and brain swelling - even death in rare cases.
- Hospitalization is required for one in ten people infected.
- There has been one measles-related death this year in Ontario to a premature baby born to a mother who had not received the vaccine.
- The B.C. Centre for Disease Control lists exposure notifications for several locations, including the Sparwood McDonald's and the Fort St. John Hospital emergency room waiting area.
Statistics:
- 30 measles cases reported in B.C. so far this year.
- 18 cases reported in Northern B.C.
- 91 average annual cases reported from 1998 to 2024.
- 3,170 measles cases reported in Canada in 2025.
- 1 in 10 people infected require hospitalization.
- 1 measles-related death reported this year.
Sources:
- B.C. Centre for Disease Control
- Yukon News (2025)
- Federal government statistics