Measles Cases Spread Across British Columbia, Prompting Health Alerts

Measles is circulating in British Columbia, with new cases confirmed across the province’s interior. Health officials are racing to contain the outbreak and encourage vaccination. Several communities have been affected, raising concerns about further transmission.

Multiple Regions Affected

Interior Health has identified additional measles cases in the southern interior of British Columbia. Confirmed cases are now present in Kamloops, Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and the Nelson area. The recent cases follow an earlier report of a single case in Kamloops.

Before the recent spread, a visitor to B.C., diagnosed with measles, traveled throughout the Interior while infectious. The Northern and Fraser health authorities have also announced confirmed measles cases in Chilliwack and Wonowon.

“I will encourage all British Columbians to ensure that they are vaccinated. Measles is no joke. It kills kids. It’s a preventable disease, and we don’t want that to be the story of the summer for our province,”

—Premier David Eby

According to the World Health Organization, measles cases increased by 79% globally in 2023. (WHO 2024)

Public Health Response

Public health officials are focused on vaccinating unvaccinated individuals. Premier David Eby stated the spread is “the sadly predictable outcome” of anti-vaccination stances. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to protect communities.

The Canadian Press originally published this report on June 26, 2025.