As measles cases spread, Island Health advises checking vaccination status

Island Health is encouraging people to review their immunization status as the highly contagious measles virus circulates across the country.

The respiratory infection can spread through the air and remain in a room for several hours after the infected person has left, the health authority said in a notice this week.

Health Canada’s most recent weekly monitoring report said there have been 60 cases of measles and one case of rubella syndrome reported in Canada in 2024, with 50 active cases of measles as of April 13.

Most at risk are those who have never been vaccinated or infected with the virus, said Island Health.

About 95 per cent of a population must be immune to prevent outbreaks, “which is why ensuring immunizations are up to date is so important,” it said.

In B.C. the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given on a child’s first birthday, and the second dose, which includes protection against varicella or chickenpox (MMRV), is given around the time a child begins school.

Ten per cent of seven-yearolds in the Island Health region have not received any doses of measles-containing vaccine, and 18 per cent have received only one dose, the health authority said.

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, nine out of 10 people around them will become infected if they are not protected, according to ImmunizeBC.

Health officials warn that measles is more than a painful rash, as it can lead to severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tissue.

Immunization recommendations for adults vary depending on whether they are travelling outside Canada, what year they were born and whether they work in health care.

In B.C., the vaccines can be accessed through a primary care provider, pharmacist or local health unit.

Over the next few weeks and months, public health nurses will be visiting select schools to immunize children in kindergarten and Grade 1. Parents and caregivers will be consulted via a letter from the school, said Island Health.

Visit the ImmunizeBC website at immunizebc.ca for immunization recommendations. People 12 years and older can access their immunization records through the Health Gateway and BC Services Card app.