A cluster of measles cases has emerged in Wonowon, British Columbia, prompting Northern Health authorities to issue an urgent public health warning yesterday. The outbreak, concentrated in the small community located approximately 100 kilometers north of Fort St. John, has raised significant concerns as measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases known to medical science.
“We’ve confirmed five cases within the Wonowon area over the past week,” said Dr. Rakel Kling, Medical Health Officer for Northern Health. “Given how extraordinarily contagious measles is, we’re taking immediate steps to contain this outbreak before it spreads further throughout the region.”
The health authority has established a temporary vaccination clinic at the Wonowon Elementary School, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the weekend. Officials strongly encourage anyone who has not received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to attend immediately.
Residents who visited the Wonowon Gas Bar between June 5-8 or the community’s only grocery store on June 7-9 may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms. Early signs of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by the characteristic rash that typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms.
“The concerning aspect of measles is that infected individuals can spread the virus before knowing they’re sick,” explained Dr. Kling. “One person with measles can infect up to 18 unvaccinated people, which is why vaccination is our primary defense.”
This outbreak comes amid worrying trends across Canada showing declining vaccination rates in several communities. Public health records indicate Wonowon’s measles vaccination coverage sits at approximately 78%, well below the 95% threshold needed for effective community protection.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed the situation in a press conference today, linking the outbreak to broader concerns about vaccine hesitancy. “These cases demonstrate why maintaining high immunization rates is crucial. When coverage drops, preventable diseases return quickly.”
Local resident Sarah McIntosh described the community’s reaction: “There’s definitely concern, especially among parents with young children. The school sent notices home immediately, and many families are staying home until they confirm their vaccination status.”
Northern Health has deployed additional medical staff to the region and established a dedicated hotline (1-855-XXX-XXXX) for residents with questions about potential exposure or vaccination.
For those born after 1970 who haven’t had measles or received two doses of the vaccine, health officials stress the importance of getting immunized immediately. Individuals born before 1970 are generally considered immune due to likely childhood exposure.
This marks the first measles outbreak in northern B.C. since 2019, when 29 cases were reported across the region. Health authorities are working closely with CO24 News to keep the public informed as the situation develops.
As communities across northern B.C. remain on alert, the question emerges: how can we better protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases when vaccination rates fall below critical thresholds?
