Area residents who visited two Regina businesses earlier this week should monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.
The warning was issued Friday afternoon by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which said in a prepared release that “individuals who were at any of the following locations during these time periods should monitor themselves closely for up to 21 days after the exposure.”
- Walmart Superstore, 4500 Gordon Rd., Regina — April 9, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Bass Pro Shop, 910 Gordon Rd., Regina — April 9, 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth and throat, and a red blotchy rash, which develops on the face and spreads down the body about three to seven days after symptoms begin. The rash can last four to seven days.
The SHA says that “if you exhibit any of the above symptoms and were at the identified location during the specified times, please call HealthLine 811 for symptom assessment and care advice.”
The SHA reminds residents that measles is highly contagious. It can spread easily through the air and can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces in a space where a person coughed or sneezed. Measles can spread from four days before a rash appears until four days after. During this period, people need to stay in strict isolation to avoid spreading the infection to others.