Saskatchewan is seeing a spike in measles cases, with the Ministry of Health confirming local transmission of the infection in southern rural areas.
According to provincial Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, between March 14 and May 14, there were 37 measles cases reported in the province. The cases range in age from five months to 57 years.
He said 77 per cent of the cases are in preschool and school-aged children, and 95 per cent are unvaccinated. Two individuals had received one dose of the vaccine, while one was fully vaccinated. Shahab noted that occasional breakthrough cases are expected.
There have been four hospitalizations so far. Shahab said the hospitalization rate can range from two to four per cent, and up to 10 per cent in some cases.
Most new cases are in the central west and central east zones, initially linked to travel or close contact with infected individuals. However, local transmission is now being seen in individuals with no travel history, particularly in southern rural Saskatchewan. Recent advisories have warned of potential exposures in Assiniboia, Gravelbourg and several other communities.
“As we discussed last week, the situation remains concerning but not, unfortunately, surprising,” Shahab said.
The chief medical health officer said there is good evidence that vaccine uptake among unvaccinated preschool-, school-aged and young adult populations has increased over the past two months.
“This will obviously protect those individuals and families who are unvaccinated. However, many families are still not accepting vaccines despite public health staff reaching out to them locally. This means the measles outbreak will continue,” Shahab said.
Those experiencing symptoms—including fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes—should isolate immediately and contact public health. A rash typically appears two to three days after the onset of symptoms, beginning on the face and spreading down the body, confirming measles.
Shahab said most, but not all, cases are within unvaccinated families who have close social ties. Isolation can slow the spread but won’t stop it entirely, as individuals are contagious from the onset of symptoms and may expose others before realizing they are sick.
“A high rate of vaccination remains the only way to stop this outbreak,” Shahab said.
Canada eliminated local measles transmission in 1998, Shahab noted. Since then, Saskatchewan has typically reported only one or two travel-related cases per year.
“This is extremely unusual for us in Saskatchewan. It is extremely unusual for Canada as a whole. It is extremely unusual for North America, which includes Canada, the U.S. and Mexico,” he said, adding that current cases have been linked to travel to the United States and northern Mexico.
Children in Saskatchewan are typically vaccinated for measles at 12 and 18 months. While some provinces require vaccination prior to school entry, Shahab said Saskatchewan’s vaccination rate had been 91 per cent—previously considered sufficient to avoid mandatory requirements.
He estimated that 20,000 to 30,000 people in the province are unvaccinated, with fewer than 5,000 coming forward to get vaccinated since the outbreak began.
Shahab said new cases are still being reported daily, but vaccinated individuals face far less risk. For example, out of 100 people exposed to measles, all 100 unvaccinated individuals would likely be infected. Among those with one dose, around 10 would be infected. For fully vaccinated individuals, only one case would be expected.
Public health continues to evaluate and contact families about vaccinations. Clinics are currently accommodating needs at the local level and assessing the potential for special clinics as required.