Measles outbreak will continue unless more people get vaccinated: Sask. chief medical officer

The measles outbreak in Saskatchewan has become a growing concern, with 37 reported cases between mid-March and mid-May of this year. This is a stark contrast to only two cases reported from 2015 to 2024, according to Saskatchewan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab.

The confirmed cases have ranged from individuals as young as five months old to 57 years old. Dr. Shahab expressed his frustration with families who are still hesitant to accept vaccines despite efforts by public health staff to educate them. The majority of new cases are in unvaccinated individuals residing in the southern rural parts of the province, leading to a continuation of the measles outbreak.

Of the 37 reported cases, four individuals required hospitalization. Dr. Shahab highlighted that 70% of the cases involved school-aged children and younger adults, with 95% of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals. This trend is alarming as it puts vulnerable populations, such as infants under one, unvaccinated pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, at a higher risk for severe complications.

Dr. Shahab emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that Canada eliminated local transmission of measles in 1998. However, the recent outbreak in Saskatchewan is a rare occurrence that underscores the necessity of vaccination. Unlike Ontario and New Brunswick, Saskatchewan does not mandate proof of immunization for measles to attend school. While the province has historically maintained a vaccination rate of 91% among school-aged children, the recent outbreak highlights the need for increased vaccination efforts.

Misinformation about vaccinations continues to circulate, contributing to vaccine hesitancy among some individuals. Dr. Shahab urged the public to consult with healthcare providers to address any concerns and emphasized the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, including the measles vaccine.

With an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 unvaccinated individuals in the province, efforts to increase vaccine uptake are crucial to halt the outbreak and prevent further community transmission. Individuals who exhibit symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, red eyes, and runny nose, should isolate themselves at home and seek medical attention. It is important to inform health authorities about potential exposures to prevent the spread of the virus.

While there is no specific treatment for measles, the vaccine is highly effective at preventing the disease after two doses. The Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to urge the public to prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others from measles.