Majority of measles cases in British Columbia concentrated in Northern Health region

B.C.’s measles outbreak saw an increase in late May, with the majority of cases concentrated in the Northern Health region. Deputy provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie provided an update on July 10, revealing that 102 measles cases have been reported in the province this year, with most in Northern Health. Seventy-three cases were in Northern Health, 10 in Fraser Health, eight in Interior Health, eight in Vancouver Coastal, and three in Island Health. As of July 8, there was one active case, with 10 people hospitalized due to the disease.

In comparison to the 2014 Fraser Valley outbreak with 344 cases, the current outbreak has not reached those levels. The virus began spreading in late May among unvaccinated individuals. Health Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the importance of vaccination, highlighting measles' contagious nature and severe complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation.

Herd immunity requires over 95% vaccination coverage, but immunization rates have declined due to rising skepticism. Health Ministry data shows lower vaccination rates in the Northern Health region, with most cases affecting young people under 18 in areas with low vaccine uptake.

Lavoie stressed the need for individuals to check their vaccination status and ensure they have received two doses of the vaccine.