Saskatchewan’s health officials have confirmed 10 new measles infections this week, bringing the total number of reported cases across the province to 37 — marking one of the most significant outbreaks in recent years.
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the latest cases are primarily concentrated in central and southern regions of the province, with several linked to previously identified transmission clusters. Health officials warn that more cases are likely in the coming weeks unless vaccination efforts and public health precautions are stepped up.
Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, urged residents to verify their immunization status and take immediate action if they’re not protected. “This outbreak is a stark reminder of how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread in communities with insufficient vaccine coverage,” he said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Measles, a highly infectious viral disease, spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that usually begins on the face and spreads across the body. Complications can be severe, especially for young children and immunocompromised individuals.
SHA is now ramping up its public health response, deploying mobile vaccination clinics in affected areas and increasing public awareness campaigns. Schools, childcare centers, and workplaces are being advised to ensure vaccination records are up to date, particularly for individuals born after 1970 who may require a second dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Health officials say the current outbreak likely originated from international travel and spread among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals. Saskatchewan’s overall immunization rate remains below the national target of 95%, with some communities falling significantly short.
“We cannot overstate the importance of community-wide immunity,” Dr. Shahab emphasized. “Vaccination not only protects the individual but also those who are vulnerable and cannot be immunized for medical reasons.”
This growing outbreak mirrors a concerning global trend, as measles cases surge worldwide due to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and disruptions in routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province is also working with Indigenous health partners and rural health authorities to improve vaccine accessibility and education in remote and underserved areas.
Residents experiencing symptoms or who believe they may have been exposed to measles are being urged to contact health providers before visiting clinics or emergency rooms to prevent further spread.
With the total number of cases now at 37 and rising, Saskatchewan’s public health officials are stressing urgency and community cooperation to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.
Source : Swifteradio.com
