Measles Outbreak Persists in Northeast B.C., Officials Warn
Fort St. John, B.C.:
Despite a surge in vaccinations over the summer, health officials warn that the measles outbreak in northeastern British Columbia shows no signs of slowing down, with the Fort St. John region remaining the epicentre of transmission.
Dr. Rakel Kling, medical health officer for Northern Health, said the virus continues to spread rapidly within families.
“If one sibling has it, they’re very likely to spread it to the next,” said Kling. “We’re seeing almost entire families infected.”
The outbreak — the province’s worst since 2014 — began in May at an elementary school north of Fort St. John before spreading through local businesses, shops, and the hospital.
As of October 23, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control has reported 245 total cases across northern B.C., including 232 in the northeast. Officials believe the true number is higher, as only lab-confirmed and linked cases are counted.
While the outbreak prompted a significant vaccination uptick — 45% in May, 117% in June, and 221% in July — the momentum has slowed since late summer. Kling noted that while progress has been made, herd immunity requires at least 95% coverage, and most northern communities remain well below that threshold, with many between 60–70%.
Northern Health’s projections indicate that Fort St. John could continue seeing five or more new cases daily as transmission remains high, though other northern regions show little or no spread.
“It’s helping us predict what a worst-case scenario might look like,” said Kling. “But it’s not a clear picture of what’s to come.”
Kling urged residents to get vaccinated and to speak with healthcare providers about any concerns.
“There are serious outcomes from measles,” she said. “We want to do everything possible to prevent them.”
The outbreak remains under close watch as health officials monitor case trends heading into winter.
