The threat of measles has the Saskatchewan Health Authority busy. They are doing their best to keep up with the spread and combat it by sharing different things like exposure risks and access to vaccines.Â
On Monday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority sent a request to the Sun West School Division asking them to distribute a letter containing information on measles to their various schools and communities. Dated March 25, the release shared that various factors such as declining measles vaccinations and international travel is a big reason for the recent increase in cases.
School environments are typically a common place to pick up germs, and with measles being spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing infected air, staying contagious in the air for up to two hours, the potential for measles could be greatly increased due to the setting.
Anyone exposed to measles must visit a physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department, making sure to identify your exposure BEFORE entering. The SHA says the best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is through vaccination, a 97 per cent effectiveness rate that in most cases provides lifelong immunity. It's also important to note with vaccinations that if people in your setting are not vaccinated, they could catch and spread measles themselves.
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Anybody unsure of their vaccination history can check health records through MySaskHealthRecord, anybody over 14 able to register for their own account. Find the full SHA release through the Sun West School Division website HERE.