Northern Health says there are 164 measles cases in its region, as of 12:00 p.m. August 19, 2025

By Tommy Osborne

Measles cases

Northern Health reports 164 measles cases

Aug 19, 2025 | 4:22 PM

Correction notice:The original version of this story said the people most at risk are babies under six months old. That’s been corrected to say the people most at risk are babies below 12 months old.

PRINCE GEORGE – Following a report of a potential measles exposure at the University Hospital of Northern BC, Northern Health is reminding people of the importance of getting vaccinated.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that we have, and it is almost hundred percent preventable by vaccination. So for two doses, you can prevent measles disease, and that’s the reason why we have childhood vaccinations for measles at 12 months old, and the second dose at four to six years old,” said Dr. Wenzehn Zuo, a Northern Health Resident Medical Health Officer.

Zuo said as of 12:00 p.m. on August 19, 2025, there are 164 measles cases in the Northern Health region, and Prince George currently has no cases. That is because the potential measles exposure took place on August 12, and since then the patient has been transferred out of UHNBC after making a full recovery on a separate health issue.

“Currently the patient is doing well and has been discharged, and that’s the reason why there’s no current measles cases in Prince George,” Zuo said.

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The people most at risk are babies below 12 months old, unimmunized children, pregnant women who are not immunized, or people with immunosuppression issues. The common symptoms are rashes, fever, red eyes, coughing, and more, but Zuo warns measles could lead to more serious health issues, further highlighting the need to get vaccinated.

“It could also have complications. For example, infection of the ear, infection of the lung. For more severe complications, for example, inflammation of the brain, or even, in very rare cases, death,” she said.

“For people who are most vulnerable, for example, the children, then the complications can happen and that can lead to more consequences for the future. So it is a serious infection that we take seriously. I would like the population to also take it seriously, and the best prevention is really through vaccination,” Zuo continued.

Zuo said if you would like to get vaccinated you can reach out to your local health units to receive more information on how to do so, or you could also reach out if you would like more information.

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