A small community in northern British Columbia is facing a serious health concern. Health officials have reported 18 cases of measles in Wonowon, a tiny town about 90 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John. This news has raised alarms because measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly, especially in areas where not enough people are vaccinated. Here’s everything you need to know about the situation, explained in simple language.
What’s Happening in Wonowon?
Wonowon is a small place with fewer than 300 residents, located near the Halfway River First Nation reserve. Despite its size, it’s now dealing with a big problem: 18 people have either been confirmed to have measles or are suspected of having it. Northern Health, the group in charge of healthcare in the area, says some of these cases have been tested in a lab and are definitely measles. The disease started spreading in late May 2025, and it’s still active in the community.
Dr. Jong Kim, a top health official for Northern Health, said most of the cases are in Wonowon and nearby areas like Peace River. Because Wonowon is so small, it’s easy for diseases like measles to spread from person to person, especially in places like schools or community gatherings.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s very easy to catch if you’re not vaccinated. The symptoms usually show up 7 to 14 days after someone is exposed. Here’s what to watch for:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Most people recover from measles, but it can be dangerous, especially for young kids, pregnant women, or people with weak immune systems. It can lead to serious problems like pneumonia (a lung infection), brain swelling, or even death in rare cases.
Why Is This Outbreak Happening?
One big reason for the outbreak is that not enough people in northeast British Columbia are vaccinated against measles. Vaccines are shots that protect you from getting sick. For measles, two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are needed to stay safe. When almost everyone in a community is vaccinated—about 95%—it creates something called herd immunity, which stops the disease from spreading. But in Wonowon and nearby areas, fewer people are vaccinated, making it easier for measles to spread.
Northern Health hasn’t shared exact numbers, but they say the vaccination rate in the region is too low. Some people may choose not to get vaccinated because of personal beliefs, while others might not have easy access to healthcare in remote areas like Wonowon.
What Are Health Officials Doing?
Northern Health is working hard to stop the outbreak. They’ve warned people in Wonowon, Fort St. John, and nearby communities to watch for measles symptoms. If you think you or someone in your family might have been exposed, you should call the Fort St. John health unit right away. They can tell you what to do, like getting tested or staying home to avoid spreading the disease.
Officials are also checking for more cases and trying to figure out where people might have been exposed. For example, they know some exposures happened in the Fort St. John hospital emergency room. They’re asking anyone who was in certain places at certain times to be extra careful.
How Can You Stay Safe?
The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is to get vaccinated. If you’re not sure whether you or your kids have had the MMR vaccine, check with your doctor or local health unit. The vaccine is safe and works very well to prevent measles. If you’re unvaccinated and have been around someone with measles, getting the vaccine within 72 hours can sometimes stop you from getting sick.
If you live in or near Wonowon, here are some other steps to take:
- Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, or rash.
- Stay home if you feel sick to avoid spreading germs.
- Call a healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital so they can prepare and keep others safe.
- Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Why This Matters
This outbreak is a reminder of how important vaccines are. Measles was once almost gone from Canada, but it’s coming back in some places because fewer people are getting vaccinated. In 2025, British Columbia has already seen 30 measles cases, and the 18 cases in Wonowon are a big part of that number. If the disease keeps spreading, it could put more people at risk, especially in small communities like Wonowon where everyone knows each other.
The outbreak also shows how fast diseases can spread in places with low vaccination rates. Wonowon’s school has fewer than 60 students, but even a few cases can affect the whole community. Nearby areas like Fort St. John are also at risk because people travel back and forth.
What’s Next?
Northern Health is keeping a close eye on the situation. They’re working to find and test more cases, encourage vaccinations, and stop the disease from spreading further. But they need help from the community. Getting vaccinated, staying informed, and following health advice are the best ways to protect everyone.
If you’re worried about measles or want to learn more, contact your local health unit or visit Northern Health’s website. Staying safe starts with knowing the facts and taking action.
