B.C. confirms measles cases in Kamloops and Chilliwack. Public exposure alerts issued for malls, ferries, and restaurants. Health officials urge vaccinations.
Kamloops Reports First Measles Case of the Year
On Tuesday, Interior Health confirmed Kamloops’ first measles case of 2025, contributing to a growing total of 49 confirmed infections across British Columbia. Health officials stated the source of exposure in this case remains unknown, making contact tracing more difficult and increasing concern over community spread.
Locations Visited by the Infected Individual
Interior Health released a list of locations visited by the Kamloops case on June 16 and June 18, including Denny’s Restaurant, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Aberdeen Mall. Visits occurred between noon and 11:35 p.m. on June 16, and between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 18. Direct follow-ups are ongoing with individuals potentially exposed at these locations.
Chilliwack Sees Multiple Unvaccinated Cases
Fraser Health has confirmed three measles infections in unvaccinated residents of Chilliwack since Friday. These infections appear to be locally acquired. Exposure warnings were issued for Walmart and Mark’s on June 16, and a barbershop on June 18.
Province-Wide Exposure Alerts Continue
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) also reported a potential measles exposure at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on June 20, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Individuals on the following ferry sailings may have been exposed:
- 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. sailings from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
- 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. sailings from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
Additional exposure sites include:
- Hot and Cold Café in Victoria (June 20, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.)
- Marriott Civic Autograph Hotel in Surrey (June 20, 8:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and June 21, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
Majority of B.C. Cases Linked to Northern Health Region
According to the BCCDC, most of the 49 measles cases in the province have occurred in Northern Health. A bulletin earlier this month confirmed multiple lab-verified infections in the remote community of Wonowon, roughly 90 kilometres from Fort St. John.
Risk Level and Health Advisory
Although the current public risk is considered low, health authorities are urging all residents—particularly those born after 1970—to verify their vaccination status. Measles spreads through airborne droplets and is one of the most contagious viral diseases.
Symptoms and Prevention Measures
Measles symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and typically begin with fever, dry cough, red eyes, and runny nose, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downward. Complications may include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, death.
Health officials strongly advise receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Individuals unsure of their immunization history should consult a healthcare provider immediately.
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