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2w ago

Measles Cases Rise in B.C.’s Interior and P.E.I. as Officials Bolster Tracing and Vaccinations

Low immunization levels in key age groups are driving the spread, prompting exposure notifications, school advisories, catch-up clinics, expanded tracing

Prince Edward Island's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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Overview

  • Interior Health has confirmed five measles cases in Kelowna, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Nelson as contact tracing identifies new exposure sites.
  • Prince Edward Island’s chief public health office reported two cases linked to 10 locations since June 21, including the Charlottetown Airport and WestJet flights.
  • Parents of Dr. Knox Middle School students were alerted to a June 17 exposure and Interior Health will run a catch-up vaccine clinic in Kelowna on July 5.
  • Vaccination rates in Interior Health’s region stand at 80% for two-year-olds and 60% for seven-year-olds, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
  • Health Canada records 3,381 measles cases nationwide this year, with Ontario and Alberta hardest hit, and agencies emphasize free two-dose MMR vaccination to prevent outbreaks.