The ongoing multijurisdictional measles outbreaks that is ongoing in Canada since October 2024 has reached British Columbia. Several cases of measles are being identified across BC, including 3 recent cases of measles were confirmed in Fraser Health since June 20, 2025.
Measles Epidemiology in BC and Fraser Health
The ongoing multijurisdictional measles outbreaks that is ongoing in Canada since October 2024 has reached British Columbia. Several cases of measles are being identified across BC, including 3 recent cases of measles were confirmed in Fraser Health since June 20,2025. All identified contacts are being followed up individually by Public Health. Up to date information on measles exposure locations can be found on this page.
Measles Clinical Presentation
Measles initially presents with a fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (Figure 1). Three to four days after fever onset, an erythematous maculopapular rash begins in the hairline, which then spreads rapidly to the face, trunk, and limbs. Koplik’s spots, if present, fade as the rash appears..
Figure 1. Clinical course of primary measles infection
Source: Manual for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella virus infection. 2nd Ed. WHO (2007).
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-IVB-07.01
- Complications of measles infection may include pneumonia, otitis media, febrile seizures, croup, diarrhea, and encephalitis, and even death.
- Approximately 30% of reported measles cases have one or more complications, most often seen in children under 5 years of age as well as individuals who are pregnant or immunosuppressed.
- Measles infection during pregnancy can result in a higher risk of fetal mortality and neurological complications in the baby.
- Disease in immunocompromised individuals may be more severe with a prolonged course.
Laboratory Testing & Diagnosis
- To confirm the diagnosis, please collect:
- Nasopharyngeal or throat swab (using a COPAN red top swab and with universal transport medium), AND
- Urine specimen (minimum of 5 mL) for measles virus detection by RT-PCR
- Indicate on the requisition form the potential date of exposure (if known) and if your patient had a history of MMR vaccination in the preceding 30 days.
- Bloodwork for serologic testing (measles IgG and IgM; mark as ‘ACUTE measles’) is NOT required.
- Please refer to the BCCDC Public Health Lab Measles Testing Algorithm for Clinicians for specific details.
- If you are able to obtain a PCR sample, please avoid sending symptomatic patients for measles serology where they may potentially expose other susceptible individuals.
Infection Prevention and Control practices
Please refer to PICNet guidance for healthcare settings
- Promptly isolate patients with suspected measles into either a private room or a negative-pressure room.
- Whenever possible, the patient should remain masked during the entire appointment. Their exam room should not be used for two hours after the patient has left.
- Instruct your patients to stay at home until after their lab results return negative, or at least four days after rash onset.
Measles Prevention via Immunization
Measles vaccination is highly protective against the disease. One dose has 85-95% effectiveness, and two doses approach 100% effectiveness. We urge all community vaccine providers to immunize their patients against measles.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination
- Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for people born January 1, 1970, or later and for all health care workers born January 1, 1957, or later. Those born earlier are considered immune.
- Patients with an uncertain immunization history, orthose born before 1970 (or before 1957 for health care staff) reporting no history of measles infection may also be immunized.
- Two doses of MMR vaccine are currently offered to children at one year of age and kindergarten entry.
Measles vaccine before traveling
- Early vaccination is strongly recommended for families before traveling to measles affected areas.
- Infants: Children 6-11 months of age should be offered an early dose of MMR for protection. This dose will not count towards their series, but it will protect against travel-related infection. It will need to be repeated at 12 months of age.
- Young children with one dose: Children who are travelling and have received their first dose of measles vaccine at age 12 months should receive their second dose early, with a minimum interval of four weeks after the first dose.
- Older children and adults born after January 1, 1970, who are travelling should be offered an MMR if they are not certain they have had two previous doses or have a history of infection.
Where your patients can book immunization appointment
- Find a community pharmacy offering the vaccines here.
- Call to book an appointment at a Public Health Unit.
- Telephone booking is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- 604-702-4906 for residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.
- 604-476-7087 for all other areas of Fraser Health.
For more information
- For More Information on Measles, visit Measles - Fraser Health Authority
- Health-link BC Information about measles. Available in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. Measles | HealthLink BC
- For up-to-date information about measles cases and exposure locations, visit the BCCDC page here.