What you need to know about measles in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging people to keep up with their immunizations — especially with the growing presence of measles in Canada. 

A single case of measles — linked to travel — was detected in Saskatoon earlier this year but there have been an increasing number of cases reported in Quebec and Ontario. 

Dr. Tania Diener, the lead medical health officer for immunization with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said a potential increase in international travel as a result of the upcoming Easter break means it is worth checking if your immunizations are up to date. 

"[Measles] is not a mild disease. It can have serious, very long-term consequences, including death," Diener told CBC this week. 

What is measles?

Measles begins like many other viral diseases, Diener said. People can develop a fever, cough, runny nose, irritability and watery eyes.

After a few days, white spots can appear in the back of the mouth. A red blotchy rash can also develop on the face and spread down the body about three to seven days after other symptoms begin. 

How to check your immunization status 

Diener said it can be difficult to distinguish measles from any other virus. That's why it's important to be vaccinated. 

She encourages everyone to check their immunization status through the online MySaskHealthRecord system.

If there are no records in their system, then people should contact their local public health office, which can help get their records in order. 

Who can receive booster doses?

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is normally provided in two doses at 12 months and 18 months of age.

"If you think your kids are behind on immunization, please contact your local public health office, make an appointment and get them in as soon as possible," said Diener. 

Anyone born before 1970 is considered to be immune because they were likely exposed to measles in childhood, when there was no measles vaccine.  As a result, they are considered to have natural immunity to measles.

People born after 1970 are considered to be fully immunized if they've received two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

There are exceptions to these rules. If someone who is planning to travel was born between 1957 and 1969, they are eligible for a publicly funded dose of the MMR vaccine, Diener said.

That would be their third dose if they have two doses on record, or first dose if they have no doses on record. 

If you're planning to travel with a child who is between the age of six months and 12 months, the child is eligible to receive the vaccine, Diener said. 

The child will still need to receive the vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.

Diener urges people looking to get a travel-related booster to contact their local public health office.

Why is measles dangerous? 

The measles virus is considered to be one of the most contagious health threats because it spreads easily though the air, transmits before people even show symptoms and can linger inside enclosed spaces for up to two hours. 

"If someone with measles walks into a room and there's 10 people that are susceptible — so they're not protected —  about nine of the 10 will get measles," said Diener. 

If someone believes they have measles they should contact their doctor's office, notify them they have concerns about measles and arrange to be tested. While that test is being processed, the individual should self-isolate, Diener said. 

Measles can also have serious side effects, causing ear infections, pneumonia and, in more serious cases, brain infections and potentially death. 

Children or those who are immunosuppressed are at risk for more severe disease, Diener said. 

Why is measles a concern again?

Measles was thought to be largely eradicated from Canada thanks to a comprehensive immunization program. 

In recent years, the virus has begun to pop up once again. 

For instance, the case of measles reported earlier this year in Saskatchewan was the first case to be confirmed in the province since 2019 when a single case was reported that year, according to the SHA. 

With 16 cases reported in 2014, a single case reported in 2013 and two cases reported in 2012, there have been a total of 21 confirmed cases of measles reported since 2012. 

There has also been a drop in the immunization rate in Saskatchewan, which currently stands at about 90 per cent, Diener said. The rate should be 95 per cent in order to achieve herd immunity.