Six months into the measles outbreak in northeast B.C., Northern Health forecasts that the virus will persist in the region until at least 2026, causing ongoing challenges for healthcare workers and endangering vulnerable individuals.
As of December 29, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control documented 338 confirmed and probable cases in northern B.C., with the majority (317 cases) concentrated in the northeast region near Fort St. John, where community spread remains unabated.
Dr. Jong Kim, the Chief Medical Health Officer, anticipates a weekly increase of five to ten new cases in the region in the upcoming year, citing significant strain on healthcare providers and the community due to the outbreak.
This outbreak marks the most severe in the province since 2014, originating at a local elementary school and spreading through various public venues, including shops, businesses, and the hospital. School-related exposures remain the primary source of infections, followed by community and acute care settings, according to Northern Health.
While other northern B.C. areas have experienced few cases, mainly tied to travel with limited transmission, Dr. Kim emphasizes the vulnerability of under-immunized communities to vaccine-preventable diseases and the effectiveness of vaccination in halting their spread.
Notably, infants under one year old constitute more than a third of the 20 measles cases requiring hospitalization in the region, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group. Dr. Kim stresses the importance of community immunization for their protection.
Immunization rates in northern B.C. surged during the summer and remained above average through the fall and early winter, with a 61% increase year-over-year in September, 137% in October, and 92% in November region-wide. In the northeast region alone, immunizations spiked by 202% year-over-year in October.
Despite Canada losing its measles-free status in November and facing declining routine immunizations post-COVID-19, Dr. Kim remains hopeful about the increased immunization rates, expressing optimism for enhanced confidence and interest in vaccinations against various preventable diseases, not just measles.
The recent rise in immunization rates is encouraging, signaling a potential rebound from the measles outbreak and a positive shift towards preventive healthcare practices.