B.C. largest outbreak of measles declared over in Fraser Health region

FRASER VALLEY – The largest outbreak of measles in British Columbia in nearly 30 years has been declared over in the Fraser Valley.

Dr. Paul Van Buynder, Fraser Health chief medical health officer, says the region had more than 400 cases of measles in a four-week period.

He notes immunization is the best defence against the preventable disease that's been eliminated in Canada.

The health authority has been working with schools, community groups and churches since the outbreak was declared on March 8 and has set up immunization clinics in public health and doctors' offices.

Many of the measles cases occurred in the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope and spread from an unimmunized religious group.

Fraser Health says the federal government offers an immunization app and B.C. provides free text reminders of appointments that make it easy for parents to keep track of their child's vaccine schedule.