The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) has provided an update on the spread of measles in Kamloops and the rest of the province.

There are a total of five measles cases now confirmed in the Interior Health Authority as of late Thursday afternoon.

Specific communities are not being indicated by the BCCDC.

However, sources tell Radio NL one of the new cases is in Kamloops.

The exposure list for Kamloops has added three new locations in the city.

They include:

Beyond this, the BCCDC is reporting two separate locations in Interior Health where other people may have been exposed.

They include a potential mass exposure in Enderby in the north Okanagan, which could include folks from around the region.

Enderby – Splatsin Centre – 5767 Old Vernon Rd [Saturday and Sunday] anyone who attended the faith-based gathering on June 7 and 8.

One other confirmed exposure is at a McDonald’s in Sparwood in the Kootenays also dating back to June 8th.

The new potential exposure locations in Kamloops are in addition to the earlier spots that contact tracing put the first known person with a measles infection in parts of south Kamloops the same week, including five different retail and restaurant locations on June 16th and 18th.

Interior Health has confirmed other cases of the measles in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and the Nelson area.

What remains unclear is whether the new infections in Kamloops and elsewhere in the region can be traced to a single source.

This follows the initial confirmation of a single measles case in Kamloops earlier this month — the first in the Interior Health Authority this year.

Health officials are continuing contact tracing efforts and warning of potential exposure in public spaces as the virus begins to spread regionally.

Interior Health says while the overall risk to the broader public remains low, the Health Authority does caution the new regional cases — as well as measles activity elsewhere in the province — could increase exposure risks for travelers and those hoping to attend events over the summer.

As of Thursday, June 26th, there are a total of 63 known measles cases in BC, most of them in the Northern Health Region.

The BCCDC is reporting 9 of them remain “active,” including three of the infections in Interior Health.

Signs and symptoms to watch for

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus.

Symptoms usually begin 7–21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward

People experiencing symptoms are urged to call 8-1-1 before seeking in-person medical care, and to wear a mask if attending a clinic or hospital to prevent possible transmission.

Who’s at Risk?

According to Interior Health, the following groups are at higher risk of contracting measles:

• People born in 1970 or later who have not received two doses of measles vaccine

• Individuals who have never had measles

• Recent immigrants or travelers from regions where measles is still circulating

Those who cannot be vaccinated — including infants under six months, pregnant individuals, and some immunocompromised people — should contact public health within six days of a known exposure.

Vaccination: Your Best Protection

Health officials are emphasizing that two doses of the measles vaccine provide nearly 100 per cent lifetime protection.

The vaccine is available for free at public health units and participating pharmacies (for adults and children over five).

“While measles was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998, it has not been eradicated,” IH said in a statement. “With rising case numbers across the country, ensuring your vaccinations are up to date is the most effective way to protect yourself and others.”

Since the first Canadian cases reappeared in New Brunswick last fall, Ontario has recorded close to 3,000 infections, with around 1,000 in neighboring Alberta.

British Columbia has reported less than 100 confirmed cases to date.

Vaccination records and more information are available at interiorhealth.ca/measles.