Measles in B.C.: What's the latest and what you need to know

A person's body is covered in a rash, measles.

Measles are back.

Health authorities confirmed cases of measles have been detected in B.C. in recent weeks, prompting reminders for people to make sure their vaccinations are updated.

As of June 24, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control listed the following cases of measles:

• Active cases in B.C.: 12

Of those 12 cases, they are found in the following health regions:

• Interior Health: 1
• Fraser Health: 3
• Vancouver Coastal Health: 0
• Northern Health: 8

To date, a total of 49 cases of measles have been reported in 2025.

Read on what you need to know about measles, a list of possible exposure periods for measles in Vancouver, and fact sheets on measles translated into different languages.

A symptom of measles includes a rash that starts on the torso and spreads to the limbs.

What’s the deal with measles and what should I know?

Measles is highly infectious. Highly. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, breathing the same air as an infected person, sharing food or drinks, sharing a cigarette and yes, even through kissing a person with measles.

The measles virus can survive for several hours in small droplets in the air.

Most people will recover but those with a weak immune system or infants could experience serious complications. Those could include encephalitis (an infection and swelling of the brain), meningitis, pneumonia, deafness and infection of the liver.

Measles in B.C. is usually rare and linked to cases of unvaccinated residents returning from overseas travel.

What’s the current situation on measles in B.C. in 2025?

Earlier in the year, health officials expressed concerns about a global outbreak of measles . Many of the cases in B.C. are linked to overseas travel and were found in individuals who were either not immunized or under immunized.

As of June 2025, there had been 49 cases of measles reported so far this year.

How do I know if I have measles?

The incubation period is about 10 days and the symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the body and spreads to the limbs. The rash lasts at least three days. You may also have small white spots inside your mouth.

The symptoms can begin as early as a week after being infected.

Some people may have measles, be infectious and not even know it. Those who are infected can spread the virus anywhere from four days before to four days after a rash appears.

How do I protect against measles? How do I know whether I’ve been vaccinated?

Health officials recommend two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine to be fully protected against measles. The first immunization is usually received at the age of one, while the second usually comes before starting kindergarten.

If you’re unsure if you’ve been vaccinated, the first stop is to check your health records.

Born in or after 1994 here in B. C.? You’re likely to be immune because those born in or after 1994 here in B.C. will have had two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, the first dose when they turn a year old and a second before starting kindergarten, as part of routine vaccinations.

Born between 1970 and 1994? Grew up outside of B. C.? You may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine. You’ll need a second dose to be protected.

Born before 1970? Or you’ve already had measles in the past? You’re likely to be immune.

Can’t remember if you’ve had one or two doses of the vaccine? The Canadian Centre for Disease Control says adults who do not have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR. It’s entirely safe to get the vaccine again.

Why have some people chosen not to be vaccinated?

Let’s get one thing clear: The MMR vaccine is safe and can prevent the disease. But a misinformation campaign in recent years has caused vaccination rates to fall.

Much of the misinformation is linked to a study published in 1998 in medical journal The Lancet that erroneously claimed the vaccine was linked to autism. That study has since been recalled and its author has had his license revoked.

Among those who have debunked the study are the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization, the British Medical Board, and the American Centre for Disease Control, among other world agencies.

I’m not vaccinated and I’ve been exposed to measles. What now? How do I treat it?

If you’ve been exposed to measles and you’re not vaccinated, you’ll need to get a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to prevent the illness.

But wait — don’t go to the emergency room or a doctor’s office without calling first. You’ll be highly contagious and the last thing you want is to spread it even further. Calling ahead will allow doctors to make arrangements for your arrival and to ensure you’re isolated from other vulnerable patients.

Unsure if it’s measles? Call HealthLink B.C. at 8-1-1 to get more information and advice on how to proceed.

List of possible measles exposure

Between June 6 to 21, an individual or individuals with measles frequented several locations in B.C.

Health officials are asking those who may have been exposed to contact their public health department.

Chilliwack on June 16:

• Mark’s — 45737 Luckakuck Way, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Redwing Shoe Store — 8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy #716, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Walmart — 8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Kamloops on June 16:

• Denny’s Restaurant — 570 Columbia St., from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

• Aberdeen Mall — 1320 Trans-Canada Hwy, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Earls Restaurant — 1210 Summit Dr., from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

• Shoppers Drug Mart -1210 Summit Dr. from 9:30 p.m. to 11:35 p.m.

Chilliwack on June 18:

• Ahmad Barber Shop, 7325 Vedder Rd #100, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kamloops on June 18:

• Castles and Cottages — 347 Victoria St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

B.C. Ferries and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on June 20:

• Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal — 1 Ferry Causeway, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• 12 p.m. Coastal Celebration ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay

• 2 p.m. Coastal Celebration ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen

• 6 p.m. Coastal Celebration ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen

• 8.pm. Coastal Celebration ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay

B.C. Ferries is reaching out to employees and reserved customers who were onboard the identified sailings.

Victoria on June 20

• Hot and Cold Café — #1 — 313 Cook St., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Surrey on June 20 and 21

• Marriot Civic Autograph Hotel, 13475 Central Ave, Surrey, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 20, and from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 21.

Vancouver Coastal Health has declared a measles outbreak in Vancouver.

Who to contact if you’ve been exposed to measles

Anyone who thinks they were exposed and are experiencing symptoms — fever, cough, runny nose, rash — to contact their public health departments at the numbers below:

Fraser Health: 604-507-5471

Interior Health: 1-855-549-6364

South Island: 1-866-665-6626

Central Island: 1-866-770-7798

North Island: 1-877-887-8835

Northern Health virtual care clinic: 1-844-645-7811

Vancouver Coastal Health: 604-675-3900 or 1-855-675-3900