The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning the public of potential measles exposure in Victoria following a confirmed case linked to a café in Cook Street Village—and additional unrelated exposures involving BC Ferries sailings connected to Swartz Bay.
According to health officials, a person infected with measles visited Hot and Cold Café at #1 – 313 Cook Street between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, June 20th.
Public health is advising anyone who was at the café during that time to be aware of the potential risk, especially if they are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunization history.
Separately, measles exposure has also been confirmed aboard several Coastal Celebration sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay on June 20th.
The affected sailings include the 12 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, the 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. sailings from Swartz Bay back to Tsawwassen, and the 8 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
The infected individual in this case may not be the same person who visited the café. BC Ferries is contacting employees and customers with reservations who were onboard those sailings.
These alerts come as measles cases climb across the province. Since June 19th, 17 new cases have been reported in the Fraser Health, Interior Health and Northern Health regions.
That brings the total to 49 confirmed cases in BC this year, with 12 currently active.
Public health teams are reaching out to known contacts of confirmed cases, but the nature of measles—being airborne and contagious even before symptoms appear—means casual contacts in public spaces can still be at risk.
Island Health is urging individuals who were at the café or aboard any of the affected ferry sailings to monitor for symptoms and assess their immunity.
People born in 1970 or later who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccine history are considered most at risk. This includes children under the age of one, unvaccinated pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you believe you may have been exposed and fall into any of these groups, Island Health recommends calling the South Island public health line at 1-866-665-6626 for guidance. You may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis depending on your immunization status and level of risk.
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure, meaning anyone exposed between June 16 and 21 could develop symptoms up until July 12. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinct rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Health officials are urging people not to visit clinics or hospitals without calling ahead if they suspect measles, in order to prevent further spread.
The best defence against measles remains vaccination. The measles vaccine is provided free of charge in BC and typically administered in two doses. Adults born before 1970 are generally considered immune due to natural exposure, but those born after should ensure they’ve received both doses.
Vaccinations are available at public health units, primary care offices, many pharmacies, and in First Nations communities through local health centres. Immunization records can be checked online through Health Gateway or updated through your local health provider.
With cases on the rise both in Canada and internationally, Island Health is encouraging residents to stay vigilant and take steps to ensure they and their families are protected.
