Reports of measles are swirling across the province, with warnings of possible exposure coming out of Swift Current, and most recently, two locations last week in Regina.
The Government of Saskatchewan has confirmed six such cases in the province as of April 10, 2025, and while that raises concern for many, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk to you and your loved ones.
Vaccinations to protect against measles have been available for decades and remain the primary method of prevention. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses between 12 and 18 months of age. Health officials are advising residents to ensure that they are up-to-date given the growing risk.
Your immunization records can be found by contacting your family doctor or by accessing your MySaskHealthRecord through the eHealth website.
The virus is highly contagious and is easily spread through the air, lingering for several hours after an infected person has left the room. Measles can be spread up to four days before symptoms begin and the risk of infecting others continues for another four days after.
Symptoms of Measles include:
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Fever
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Red eyes
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A blotchy, red rash that appears shortly after the fever begins, typically appearing behind the ears and on the face, spreading down the body to the arms and legs and persisting for up to seven days. *
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Although rare, individuals immunized against measles can still contract the illness, albeit with milder symptoms.
*The rash may be harder to see on those with darker complexions, potentially appearing purple or darker than surrounding skin.
Complications from measles are more serious in very young children and adults, and include ear infections, pneumonia, brain infections, and in some cases, death.
The virus can be diagnosed through a blood test, with confirmation through a urine specimen or throat swab.
Measles prevention measures:
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As mentioned above, the primary prevention method for measles is immunization.
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When cases of measles occur in schools or daycares, children who are not immunized must be kept at home until receiving immunization or 21 days after the last case of measles.
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Individuals with measles should not go out in public, to schools or daycares until at least four days after the rash begins.
While the number of confirmed cases in the province is six as of the writing of this article, that is the highest number reported since 16 cases appeared in 2014, with all subsequent years reporting no more than one confirmed case since.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is monitoring cases and notifying the public of potential exposure risks, if you are symptomatic or think you may have been exposed to measles, call Healthline 811 for instructions. The SHA asks that you do not seek care at a clinic, health care facility or hospital in person before making the call.
If you are experiencing difficulty in finding your vaccination records, visit the eHealthSask website.
You can find more information about measles on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.