Epidemics in the Burns Lake Region: A Historical Overview
Public health crises are not just historical events—they test community bonds, expose health inequalities, and remind us of the importance of preparedness, compassion, and local leadership.
The history of the Lakes District reflects the resilience and response of its community in the face of repeated waves of public health challenges throughout the twentieth century. Smallpox, influenza, measles, polio, hepatitis, and diphtheria have each had lasting impacts on residents and communities. Early epidemics, such as the devastating 1862 smallpox outbreak, nearly wiped-out entire villages along Cheslatta, Eutsuk, and Uncha lakes.
Measles and Early Quarantines (1928–1953)
In 1928, Dr. John Taylor “Doc” Steele, the local Medical Health Officer, imposed the first recorded quarantine in the area when measles broke out in an Indigenous community.
By 1949, the disease had spread widely in the district. Local schoolchildren, including Jim Partington and John Eaton, were among the first affected. Entire classrooms sat empty as families kept children home.
In 1953, Dr. H. M. Brown warned the community of a new measles epidemic. He emphasized that the disease was not just a childhood inconvenience—complications like pneumonia and ear infections were common. Measles also left many children weakened and more susceptible to tuberculosis.
Polio and Public Health Response (1952–1960)
Polio deeply impacted the Burns Lake region in the 1950s and early 1960s. The earliest cases were treated in Vancouver, with the first major local outbreak occurring in 1960.
The first local case in six years was two-year-old Johnny Giesbrecht. Soon after, two-year-old Isaac Harder fell ill, followed by others—including adults like Mrs. Ruth Dick, the wife of Reverend Elmer Dick from Decker Lake, and 19-year-old Michael Palmer. Both had received full polio vaccinations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the disease.
When Mrs. Isabel Montaldi, wife of local high school principal Victor A. Montaldi, was diagnosed with paralytic polio, her condition quickly became critical. She required immediate hospitalization and advanced respiratory support unavailable locally. What followed was a coordinated, urgent effort by the entire region to save her life.
A portable resuscitator (iron lung unit) was urgently sent from the Prince George hospital. RCMP officers transported the equipment by road to Vanderhoof, where a local detachment member retrieved it and rushed it to Burns Lake. Time was critical.
Local physician Dr. Jack Matvenko personally accompanied Mrs. Montaldi as far as Prince George. From there, she was transferred to an Omineca Air Service plane piloted by Ernie Harrison, and then onto a DC-3 Air-Sea Rescue plane, which flew her to the Infectious Diseases Unit at Vancouver General Hospital.
Mrs. Montaldi’s transfer came at a time when at least twelve people in the area had contracted paralytic polio, including infants, young adults, and members of the local Indigenous community.
Typhoid and Whooping Cough (1953–1956)
In 1956, Burns Lake faced a typhoid outbreak that affected ten children and three adults across two families. Nurse Mary Keller worked tirelessly to coordinate immunizations while families were placed under quarantine. One breadwinner was allowed to leave quarantine to continue working so the family could afford its mounting medical bills—a reminder of the economic pressures families faced.
A Dangerous Convergence of Illnesses (1957)
In the spring of 1957, the Burns Lake region faced a triple threat of illnesses: measles, infectious jaundice, and pneumonia. The outbreak was especially deadly among First Nations children, and within weeks, four young people died.
With the situation escalating, medical assistance arrived from outside the community. One of the most pivotal figures was Dr. Anne Burton, a physician from Miller Bay Hospital near Prince Rupert.
At a time when few First Nations communities had regular access to health care, Dr. Burton went door to door, visiting every Indigenous home in the Burns Lake area where children were present. In many cases, she returned more than once to monitor conditions, provide treatment, and administer life-saving inoculations.
Her presence helped stem the spread of disease and brought a measure of comfort to grieving families, becoming a lifeline for dozens of families in crisis.
The Hepatitis Epidemic (1962–1964)
A major hepatitis epidemic struck in late 1962. By early 1963, over 100 cases were known. Local physicians stressed the importance of clean water and hygiene. Families were urged to boil drinking water and improve sanitation.
Dr. Matvenko remained at the forefront of the response. In 1964, he reported an average of five to 10 new cases per week, with the total surpassing 1,000 in two years. The Burns Lake Board of Trade appealed directly to the Minister of Health for leadership and resources to manage the crisis.
Diphtheria Returns (1970)
In 1970, diphtheria returned after years of absence. Fourteen local children were affected, including carriers and symptomatic cases. Tragically, three-year-old Sheila Wiebe from the Palling area succumbed to the disease.
Community health efforts intensified. Two public health nurses were flown in from Prince George to help with vaccinations. Over 200 children were immunized at the Lakes District Hospital, making the region’s immunization coverage the highest in the Northern Interior Health Unit.
COVID‑19 Pandemic (2020–2024)
The Burns Lake region, like most others in British Columbia, faced disruption and loss during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Local officials urged precautions beginning in March 2020, and small businesses, schools, and services quickly adapted. Northern Health and Carrier Sekani Family Services played key roles in testing, vaccinating, and community outreach—especially for Indigenous residents. In 2021, Lake Babine Nation declared a state of emergency after a deadly outbreak.
Despite the challenges, the community responded with resilience, innovation, and care. The provincial state of emergency officially ended in July 2024.
Public health crises are not just historical events—they test community bonds, expose health inequalities, and remind us of the importance of preparedness, compassion, and local leadership.
The history of the Lakes District reflects the resilience and response of its community in the face of repeated waves of public health challenges throughout the twentieth century. Smallpox, influenza, measles, polio, hepatitis, and diphtheria have each had lasting impacts on residents and communities. Early epidemics, such as the devastating 1862 smallpox outbreak, nearly wiped-out entire villages along Cheslatta, Eutsuk, and Uncha lakes.
Measles and Early Quarantines (1928–1953)
In 1928, Dr. John Taylor “Doc” Steele, the local Medical Health Officer, imposed the first recorded quarantine in the area when measles broke out in an Indigenous community.
By 1949, the disease had spread widely in the district. Local schoolchildren, including Jim Partington and John Eaton, were among the first affected. Entire classrooms sat empty as families kept children home.
In 1953, Dr. H. M. Brown warned the community of a new measles epidemic. He emphasized that the disease was not just a childhood inconvenience—complications like pneumonia and ear infections were common. Measles also left many children weakened and more susceptible to tuberculosis.
Polio and Public Health Response (1952–1960)
Polio deeply impacted the Burns Lake region in the 1950s and early 1960s. The earliest cases were treated in Vancouver, with the first major local outbreak occurring in 1960.
The first local case in six years was two-year-old Johnny Giesbrecht. Soon after, two-year-old Isaac Harder fell ill, followed by others—including adults like Mrs. Ruth Dick, the wife of Reverend Elmer Dick from Decker Lake, and 19-year-old Michael Palmer. Both had received full polio vaccinations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the disease.
When Mrs. Isabel Montaldi, wife of local high school principal Victor A. Montaldi, was diagnosed with paralytic polio, her condition quickly became critical. She required immediate hospitalization and advanced respiratory support unavailable locally. What followed was a coordinated, urgent effort by the entire region to save her life.
A portable resuscitator (iron lung unit) was urgently sent from the Prince George hospital. RCMP officers transported the equipment by road to Vanderhoof, where a local detachment member retrieved it and rushed it to Burns Lake. Time was critical.
Local physician Dr. Jack Matvenko personally accompanied Mrs. Montaldi as far as Prince George. From there, she was transferred to an Omineca Air Service plane piloted by Ernie Harrison, and then onto a DC-3 Air-Sea Rescue plane, which flew her to the Infectious Diseases Unit at Vancouver General Hospital.
Mrs. Montaldi’s transfer came at a time when at least twelve people in the area had contracted paralytic polio, including infants, young adults, and members of the local Indigenous community.
Typhoid and Whooping Cough (1953–1956)
In 1956, Burns Lake faced a typhoid outbreak that affected ten children and three adults across two families. Nurse Mary Keller worked tirelessly to coordinate immunizations while families were placed under quarantine. One breadwinner was allowed to leave quarantine to continue working so the family could afford its mounting medical bills—a reminder of the economic pressures families faced.
A Dangerous Convergence of Illnesses (1957)
In the spring of 1957, the Burns Lake region faced a triple threat of illnesses: measles, infectious jaundice, and pneumonia. The outbreak was especially deadly among First Nations children, and within weeks, four young people died.
With the situation escalating, medical assistance arrived from outside the community. One of the most pivotal figures was Dr. Anne Burton, a physician from Miller Bay Hospital near Prince Rupert.
At a time when few First Nations communities had regular access to health care, Dr. Burton went door to door, visiting every Indigenous home in the Burns Lake area where children were present. In many cases, she returned more than once to monitor conditions, provide treatment, and administer life-saving inoculations.
Her presence helped stem the spread of disease and brought a measure of comfort to grieving families, becoming a lifeline for dozens of families in crisis.
The Hepatitis Epidemic (1962–1964)
A major hepatitis epidemic struck in late 1962. By early 1963, over 100 cases were known. Local physicians stressed the importance of clean water and hygiene. Families were urged to boil drinking water and improve sanitation.
Dr. Matvenko remained at the forefront of the response. In 1964, he reported an average of five to 10 new cases per week, with the total surpassing 1,000 in two years. The Burns Lake Board of Trade appealed directly to the Minister of Health for leadership and resources to manage the crisis.
Diphtheria Returns (1970)
In 1970, diphtheria returned after years of absence. Fourteen local children were affected, including carriers and symptomatic cases. Tragically, three-year-old Sheila Wiebe from the Palling area succumbed to the disease.
Community health efforts intensified. Two public health nurses were flown in from Prince George to help with vaccinations. Over 200 children were immunized at the Lakes District Hospital, making the region’s immunization coverage the highest in the Northern Interior Health Unit.
COVID‑19 Pandemic (2020–2024)
The Burns Lake region, like most others in British Columbia, faced disruption and loss during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Local officials urged precautions beginning in March 2020, and small businesses, schools, and services quickly adapted. Northern Health and Carrier Sekani Family Services played key roles in testing, vaccinating, and community outreach—especially for Indigenous residents. In 2021, Lake Babine Nation declared a state of emergency after a deadly outbreak.
Despite the challenges, the community responded with resilience, innovation, and care. The provincial state of emergency officially ended in July 2024.
