Measles is a very contagious disease that can have serious complications in some people. It’s spread by an airborne virus when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours. Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent getting and spreading measles.
Current status of measles in BC
Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Measles page for detailed information about measles and measles activity in the North and across BC. The BCCDC is updating case counts and exposure locations on a regular basis.
Currently, Northern Health exposure locations are as follows:
- Wonowon and neighbouring communities, including Fort St. John, in various settings in the community since late May.
Signs and symptoms of the measles
After someone catches the measles virus, symptoms can start as soon as seven days, and up to 21 days, after a person is infected with the virus.
Signs and symptoms of measles include:
- Fever of 38.5°C or higher, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes that are often sensitive to light.
- A rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts about 4 to 7 days.
- There may also be small white spots inside the mouth.
- Young children may also develop diarrhea or an ear infection.
How measles spreads
Measles is very contagious and spreads easily.
When an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the virus spreads through the air. The measles virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours. You can become infected when you breathe in these droplets or touch objects contaminated with the virus.
The airborne spread of measles virus makes the disease very contagious. You can also be at risk if you share food, drinks, smoking or vaping devices, as well as kissing someone who has the virus.
For most up-to-date provincial information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Measles page.
Resources
Contact
On-call phone: 1-888-214-3274
Email: Jong.Kim@northernhealth.ca