A 3D graphic representation of a measles virus particle. (CDC/Unsplash)
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — One new measles case has been confirmed in the Northern Health region.
The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) latest case count update shows 172 confirmed cases of the virus in the region, up from 171 on August 28th.
That increase, alongside one new case in the Interior Health region and four in the Fraser Health area, brings the total number of confirmed cases in the province so far this year to 239. Northern Health makes up roughly 72 per cent of those cases.
Meanwhile, the number of probable cases has decreased to 17 from 19, with the two probable cases identified in the Fraser Health region as of the previous update now removed, suggesting they were later confirmed.
That means the total case count so far in 2025 could be as high as 256 across B.C.
In terms of active cases, there are just two in the province at the moment: one in the Northern Health region and another in the Fraser Health area.
Cases are considered active for the first four days after a rash begins to manifest, the first 10 days after other symptoms manifest if there’s no rash, or the first 10 days after being reported if the case is asymptomatic.
Beyond the aforementioned rash — which usually begins on the face or neck before spreading across the arms, torso and legs — other measles symptoms include coughing, fever, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light.
Measles is an extremely serious disease; according to the BCCDC, one in 10 people diagnosed with the virus end up hospitalized and it can lead to dangerous health complications like pneumonia.
Last week, Northern Health announced it had identified a new potential measles exposure incident at the Fort St. John Hospital’s emergency room, between 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th and 1 a.m. on Friday, August 29th.
Anyone who suspects they’ve been exposed to the virus or who is experiencing symptoms is urged to stay at home and contact their primary care provider to book a measles test.
To view the full case count update, look below.