Locally acquired measles cases confirmed in Chilliwack, says Fraser Health

MEASLES infection has been confirmed in three unvaccinated Chilliwack residents since June 20, 2025. Based on the information gathered to date, these cases appear to be locally acquired, with no reported travel history. Fraser Health Public Health is investigating to determine the source of infection.

Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they were in the following locations:

  • Mark’s (45737 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack, V2R 4E8) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 16.
  • Redwing Shoe Store (8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy #716, Chilliwack, V2R 0P9) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 16.
  • Walmart (8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy, Chilliwack, BC V2R 0N1) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 16.
  • Ahmad Barber Shop (7325 Vedder Rd #100, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4E4) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 18.

The list above includes known exposure locations where Public Health is unable to identify those exposed and contact them directly. Individuals exposed in other identified settings are being informed by Public Health directly through a phone call or a letter. For up-to-date measles case counts and exposure notices in B.C., visit www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/measles#cases.

Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by the airborne route. People who are at risk of getting measles are those who never had measles disease and have not had two doses of a measles vaccine after 12 months of age. Symptoms can start between seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body. Measles can cause complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and even death. In rare cases, complications can develop many years after someone has had measles.

For people who are not fully protected against measles and may have been exposed, they can take action to reduce the chance of contracting measles and/or spreading the disease to others. These actions include the following public health recommendations:

  • Monitor for any symptoms of measles that can develop up to 21 days after being exposed.
  • If you were born in 1970 or later and have not had two doses of measles vaccine, you should get a dose of measles vaccine right away, free of charge. It is most effective if received within three days of being exposed but still can be received after 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. If you, or your child, are in one of these groups, please call Fraser Health Public Health (604-507-5471) as soon as possible and no later than six days after being exposed. You may be advised that you, or your child, receive a medication that can prevent measles disease. This is also provided free of charge.

If you develop measles-like symptoms, Public Health recommends you:

  • Stay home and away from others who may not be protected, or those at higher risk for measles-related complications (babies less than six months of age, pregnant people, and people with certain immune conditions)
  • Contact Fraser Health Public Health (604-507-5471) for additional advice on testing, isolation and preventing spread to others.
  • If urgent care is needed (e.g. high fever), please inform your health care provider before you visit them so they can take precautions to prevent measles being spread to others, wear a mask (e.g. waiting rooms) and avoid using public transportation.

Given the measles activity across the country, Fraser Health encourages everyone to take this opportunity to review their immunization status. Those born in 1970 or later who have not received any dose, or have only received one dose of measles vaccine should obtain a dose of vaccine now to protect themselves against current or future exposures. Measles vaccine is available free of charge at public health units and certain family doctors and walk-in clinics. Pharmacists can immunize adults and children over five years old. Please call ahead to ensure vaccine is available at your preferred location.

Call to book an appointment at a Public Health Unit.

  • Telephone booking is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
    • 604-702-4906 for residents of Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope.
    • 604-476-7087 for all other areas of Fraser Health.
    • Click here for a list of public health unit locations.
  • Book an appointment at a community pharmacy.
    • Find a local pharmacy offering MMR vaccine here.

For general information about measles, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/measles.

For information on accessing your immunization history visit www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/immunizations/information-and-safety/records.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.