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Island Health is tracking potential exposures at Woodgrove Centre, and a Nanaimo golf course, after a single measles case was confirmed in the Greater Nanaimo region. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
single case

Island Health warning of potential measles exposure in Nanaimo

Jul 21, 2026 | 4:21 PM

NANAIMO — Local health officials are advising of a potential measles exposure earlier this month.

The health authority said a single measles case was confirmed to be in the Greater Nanaimo region after the individual acquired the infectious disease while travelling.

An advisory published Tuesday, July 21, by Island Health stated those at Woodgrove Centre, specifically Lululemon, Booster Juice, and SportChek, on Sunday, July 12 between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. may have been exposed to the disease.

In addition, the subject individual visited Beban Park Golf Course earlier in the day, with those there between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. also potentially exposed.

Island Health notes the “risk to the broader public is considered low,” and officials are directly notifying individuals known to be in those areas at the time.

“Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread,” Island Health noted in their advisory. “Most people in Canada will be immune to measles due to prior immunization or previous infection. Individuals exposed to the measles virus should monitor for symptoms that may develop up to three weeks after being exposed.”

Symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes initially, followed by a rash starting on the face and continuing down the body in the days after.

“If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and avoid contact with others,” the health authority advised. “Please inform your health care provider, urgent care centre or hospital before you visit so they can take precautions to mitigate the risk of spreading measles to others.”

Those at a higher risk of contracting measles include those who’ve never had the disease, and who were not vaccinated twice before their first birthday.

More details on the exposure, and best practices for those potentially exposed, are available on Island Health’s website.

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