Health officials are strongly encouraging Saskatchewan residents to ensure their measles immunizations are up-to-date as two more cases of measles have recently been confirmed in Regina. There have been six cases of measles so far in Saskatchewan in 2011, all in Regina. Two cases were in unimmunized children under the age of five years, two were in unimmunized young adults, and two were in middle age adults who may have received one dose of measles vaccine in childhood.
Measles cases are usually very rare in Canada, but they do occur. Currently there is a measles outbreak in Quebec, while United States, Europe and Australia are also seeing an increase in measles cases.
Measles is a viral infection that can spread easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing (airborne), as well as indirect contact with contaminated articles.
"Because measles is a serious illness and so infectious, we are urging parents in Saskatchewan to ensure that their children are up-to-date with their immunizations," Saskatchewan Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "All children in Saskatchewan 18 years and under should have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine - MR (Measles, Rubella) or MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)."
Most adults should be immune after having received the vaccine or having had the disease. Persons born in 1970 or before are considered to have naturally acquired immunity.
Persons who have contracted measles usually have the following symptoms: fever (38.3 C or greater); cough; spots in the mouth appearing 1-2 days before the rash; a red blotchy rash appearing on days 3-5 and usually lasting for 4-7 days; runny nose; and redness of the eyes and inner eyelids and/or light sensitivity.
Symptoms usually occur within 8 to 12 days after exposure but this time frame can range from 7 to 21 days post exposure. Measles is highly contagious from about 1-2 days before the appearance of the rash until about 4 days after.
If a person develops the symptoms listed above they should see their physician, who may order blood and urine testing as well as a nasopharyngeal or throat swab. Also they should inform their physician's office that they may have been exposed to measles to ensure they will not be sitting for a long period in the waiting room where they could infect others.
For more information on immunizations residents can contact their local public health office, physician or regional health authority. Information on measles and immunizations are also available through HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 and on the Ministry of Health website www.health.gov.sk.ca.
