Saskatchewan is grappling with a fast-growing measles outbreak, now part of a larger resurgence of the disease across North America, according to Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Health Officer for the Ministry of Health.
As of May 7, 27 confirmed cases have been reported in Saskatchewan since March 14, with more than half—15 cases—emerging in just the last week. “Our case numbers are rising rapidly,” Dr. Shahab warned during a briefing on Thursday.
The outbreak is affecting primarily unvaccinated individuals, with most transmissions occurring through close household contact or within specific communities. Measles has re-emerged not only in Saskatchewan, but also in Alberta, Ontario, Mexico, and the United States.
“The vast majority of our cases are in children and school-age adolescents—about 78%—with a few in older adults,” Shahab noted. “Almost all cases, except one, are unvaccinated.”
The age range of infected individuals spans from five months old and up. Particularly concerning, Dr. Shahab said, is the risk to infants: “Children under 12 months are not yet vaccinated, and those under six months cannot be vaccinated at all. These infants are vulnerable, especially when surrounded by unvaccinated individuals.”
So far, two hospitalizations have been reported. While measles is often considered a childhood illness, it carries serious risks. “One in 20 people with measles get hospitalized, and one in five can develop complications requiring medical care,” Shahab explained.
Although Saskatchewan boasts a relatively high vaccination rate—with 91% of children fully vaccinated by school entry—delays in getting the first and second doses remain an issue. The recommended schedule calls for the first dose at 12 months and a second at 18 months.
Dr. Shahab emphasized that people born after 1970 should ensure they’ve received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Fully vaccinated individuals are highly unlikely to contract measles, but exceptions exist for those who are immunocompromised or were vaccinated improperly in the past.
The current outbreak reflects broader failures in vaccine uptake, which Shahab attributes to what he calls the “5 Cs” of vaccine hesitancy:
Complacency: Believing measles is no longer a threat.
Constraints: Difficulty accessing vaccines, which he says is not the case in Saskatchewan.
Calculation: Underestimating the disease’s severity.
Convenience: Delays or lapses in scheduling.
Collective responsibility: A breakdown in the social contract of community protection.
“Canada eliminated measles in 1998. For more than three decades, we only saw occasional travel-related cases. That is no longer true,” said Shahab. “We should not be seeing measles in 2025. That we are, means the social contract of keeping each other safe has broken down.”
Rural central Saskatchewan appears to be the most affected region, although cases have been confirmed across the province. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is increasing access to vaccines, especially in remote and rural communities. Public service announcements (PSAs) will continue, often issued on a daily basis due to the steady rise in cases.
Dr. Shahab urged anyone experiencing measles-like symptoms—especially a rash—to avoid clinics or hospitals without calling ahead. “If you show up with a rash and it turns out to be measles, everyone in the waiting room must be contacted,” he warned. “People who are immunocompromised, unvaccinated infants, and pregnant women exposed to the virus need preventive treatment within three days.”
Vaccination remains the strongest line of defense. For those recently exposed, receiving the vaccine within six days can reduce the impact of the illness. “Anyone not fully vaccinated should get the vaccine at any time,” Shahab stressed.
The province expects to continue confirming new cases daily and will update the public weekly, with urgent exposure notices issued as needed. “Public health investigations can involve hundreds of contacts per case,” Shahab said, “and this strains our already limited healthcare and public health resources.