Measles circulating in communities in the northeastern BC, health officials warn

Health officials in northern British Columbia say measles is officially distributed in remote areas in the state's northeastern region.

According to Northern Health, Wonowon, approximately 89 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John, British Columbia, confirmed cases of measles have been confirmed in multiple labs.

The first case appears to be travel-related, but now the virus has spread and it has been in circulation in the area since late May.

According to Northern Health, residents may have been exposed to several nearby communities, including Fort St. John, adding that one potential point of contact occurred in the city's hospital emergency room between midnight and 4am on June 2nd.

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Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread, with the first symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and red eye eyes.

The rash often occurs a few days later, starting on the face before spreading the body.

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Northern Health warns people experiencing these symptoms to self-isolate for at least four days, preventing spread.

For those with severe symptoms, health officials are asking people to call ahead before visiting a local health care provider or emergency department.

Ontario reported 74 new measles cases last week as of Thursday, bringing the total number of provinces that have been ill since October to 2,083.