This global resurgence was described as “very concerning” by British Columbia’s chief health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. As respiratory illness season comes to an end, the province is already anticipating the start of a spring COVID-19 immunization campaign. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a worldwide increase in measles cases, with Dr. Henry urging residents to ensure they are fully protected against the disease.
Dr. Henry spoke about the trend to the legislature in Victoria, B.C., and spoke to the importance of vaccination. She wanted to remind the public that measles symptoms usually show up within seven to 14 days after infection. People can spread the virus without knowing before they even know they are ill.
“Measles vaccine does not cause autism. I say that unequivocally. It is the only and best protection against this highly contagious and dangerous virus, especially to young children,” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
Canada began routine immunization against measles in 1970. This program provided robust housing security to anyone born prior to that year. Evaluating Dr. Henry emphasized the need for verification. People born since 1970 need to check that they’ve received at least two doses of the vaccine to guarantee close to 100 percent lifelong protection.
“If you have had two doses, then this provides close to 100 per cent protection for the rest of your life,” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
Dr. Henry noted that British Columbia has only seen five travel-related measles cases. In sharp contrast, since May 2005 Ontario has documented over 570 cases. That gap highlights why it could be tough going should the virus start spreading again in communities with poor vaccination uptake.
“It can be a very small dose of the virus to infect somebody who is not protected,” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
This global resurgence of measles is further exacerbated by increasing anti-vaccine sentiment and misinformation regarding vaccine safety. Dr. Henry colored outside the lines on this one, because there is no shortage of evidence to support the vaccine’s efficacy in eradicating measles since its introduction.
“This is a vaccine that is tried and tested and true,” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
In addition to addressing measles, Dr. Henry announced that British Columbia will soon roll out a spring COVID-19 immunization campaign. As we usher residents into the close of respiratory illness season, this initiative is particularly timely and protective.
“We still need to be really careful and continue to use our healthy habits that prevent us from getting sick, but also from passing illness on to others.” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
Read that full March 28, 2025 report by The Canadian Press here. It provides an essential window into the health challenges we face today.
