As measles outbreaks continue to make headlines worldwide, Dr. Stanley Enebeli, Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, is urging residents of the southeast and across the province to stay vigilant.
While cases of measles have increased in parts of Canada, including Ontario and Quebec, and internationally, Enebeli confirmed that Saskatchewan has not yet reported any measles cases in 2025. However, he emphasized the importance of continued monitoring, as the risk remains due to outbreaks elsewhere.
Measles: A highly contagious virus
Measles spreads primarily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Unvaccinated individuals are at greater risk of contracting the disease, particularly if they encounter someone who is infected.
“The symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after being exposed to the measles virus, and people can spread measles even before they know they have the infection.”
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads throughout the body. Measles can also lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and permanent disabilities such as deafness.
Who is most at risk?
"Those who are at an increased risk are children who are less than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant people, and people who are immunocompromised,” said Enebeli. “These individuals are at a higher risk for complications from measles.”
He added that measles was once a common infection in Canada but is now rare due to routine vaccinations.
“With these outbreaks occurring globally, I think it’s time that we need to check and see if we’re up to date with our measles-containing vaccines.”
Vaccine guidelines and effectiveness
Enebeli outlined the vaccination guidelines, recommending two doses of the measles-containing vaccine for children and adolescents. The first dose is given at around 12 months of age, with the second dose typically administered at 18 months.
The vaccine is usually delivered in combination with those for mumps and rubella (MMR), and sometimes chickenpox (MMRV), depending on the child’s age. The vaccines are highly effective, with nearly 100 per cent success in preventing measles when both doses are administered.
The province strongly encourages parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccinations.
“This vaccine has been effective, and we’ve had it for many years, and it has shown to have a good safety profile.”
He added that if parents are unsure about their child's vaccination status, they should contact the local public health office, which can provide guidance and, if necessary, arrange for vaccinations.
What to do if exposed to measles
In situations where an unvaccinated person or someone who is not immune has been exposed to measles, Enebeli said isolation is the best course of action.
“You need to isolate immediately and contact the healthcare provider or local public health unit immediately, and they will provide guidance on what to do next.”
If you travel to an area experiencing a measles outbreak and develop symptoms after returning, it is important to contact a healthcare provider right away. Describe your symptoms and inform them of your recent travel to a region with a measles outbreak or an international destination. If an in-person visit is necessary, your healthcare provider can make arrangements to see you while taking precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Travel recommendations
Enebeli also recommended that travelers consult a healthcare provider about their vaccination status before visiting areas where measles outbreaks are occurring.
“It is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider, preferably about six weeks in advance, to get personalized health advice and recommendations. If a measles vaccine is required, it should optimally be received at least two weeks before departure.”
He noted that even with less than two weeks, it is still beneficial to receive the vaccination.
For anyone unsure of their vaccination status or in need of a measles vaccine, local public health offices are available to check records and schedule appointments.
“As we make our travel arrangements, something to think about, something to check—your measles vaccination status, and you can call us in the local public health office for that as well.”
Vaccination rates and the importance of staying up to date
Although Saskatchewan has not seen any measles cases so far in 2025, the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations and being proactive about monitoring potential outbreaks cannot be overstated.
“Looking at the trends, I would say in the last six years, we’ve seen a decline in our childhood vaccine rates,” said Enebeli. He noted that this was seen during the pandemic when people challenged vaccines. However, in the last one to two years, measles vaccinations have begun to rise.
“With these outbreaks out there, and I mean, we are just a flight away from being exposed.”
Enebeli’s advice to all residents is to remain vigilant, especially given the global nature of disease transmission.