Warnings are being issued by Interior Health, with people in Kamloops being exposed to the possibility of contracting measles.

The health authority has confirmed a single measles case in Kamloops.

Interior Health is following up directly with individuals who are known to have been exposed to the case as part of normal contact tracing.

The risk to the broader public is considered low.

However, if you were at the following locations during the time listed below, you may have been exposed to measles:

• Denny’s Restaurant – 570 Columbia St.
Exposure Date & Time: June 16, 2025 between 12:00 and 2:45 p.m.

• Aberdeen Mall – 1320 Trans-Canada Hwy.
Exposure Date & Time: June 16, 2025 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

• Earls Restaurant – 1210 Summit Dr.
Exposure Date & Time: June 16, 2025 between 6:30 and 11:30 p.m.

• Shoppers Drug Mart – 1210 Summit Dr.
Exposure Date & Time: June 16, 2025 between 9:30 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.

• Castles and Cottages – 347 Victoria St.
Exposure Date & Time: June 18, 2025 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Interior Health has confirmed this is the first confirmed measles case in the Interior this year.

“However, there are other cases around the province which may impact people in this region as they travel during the summer,” noted the Health Authority.

Individuals exposed to the measles virus should monitor for symptoms that may develop up to three weeks after being exposed.

These include fever, dry cough, runny nose and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body.

If you develop symptoms of measles, you’re being told to inform your health care provider or hospital before you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent spreading measles to others.

Some at higher risk than others

While the measles virus is one of the most virulent diseases out there, as it can spread through the air, there are some folks who are at higher risk of contracting the virus, and may end up becoming more ill if they do.

This include anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the measles vaccines on or after your first birthday.

Interior health also says those who have never had measles before are also at higher risk, which would include the vast majority of the population of Kamloops, as measles was officially listed as “eliminated” in Canada in 1998, though not “eradicated.”

Those who have moved to Canada from other parts of the world where measles is still prevalent, including parts of Europe, Africa and countries in Central, South and Southeast Asia may have been able to develop a natural immunity.

Interior Health also has recommendations for those who might be at a higher risk level of contracting the virus.

“If you were born in 1970 or later and have not had two doses of measles vaccine, you should get a booster dose of measles vaccine,” stated Interior Health.  “It is most effective if received within three days of being exposed but still can be received after that.”

At the same time, the Health Authority notes that certain people should not get the measles vaccine.

“These include babies less than six months of age, pregnant people, and people with certain immune conditions,” noted I-H.  “If you, or your child, are in one of these groups, please call your local Public Health team as soon as possible and no later than six days after being exposed.

Those who want to check their vaccination status are told to visit the Interior Health Measles portal.

Vaccines are available for free at your local community health centre.

Your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available.

“Two doses of measles vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective in preventing this serious illness and last a lifetime,” stated Interior Health.

While measles cases number close to 1,000 in neighboring Alberta, and over 2,000 in Ontario, so far only 21 cases have been confirmed in BC since the virus started to take hold here in Canada in New Brunswick in October of last year.