REGINA – The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) is currently investigating two more suspected cases of measles, bringing the total to four cases in Saskatchewan.
The two suspected cases are in adults and linked to the province’s first case of the year, involving a person who travelled from the Philippines.
Last year Saskatchewan had one confirmed case and in 2012 there were two.
RQHR is notifying members of the public who may have been exposed. Anyone who visited the following establishments during the week of January 13-17 should be aware of the symptoms:
- Security Building Supplies (January 13-17 inclusive)
- Chapters book store and attached Starbucks Coffee (South Albert location- January 13 between 1000-1330h)
- Sobeys (South Albert location- January 13 between 1000-1330h)
- Lawson Aquatic Centre (Pool facility and common areas: January 14 between 1230-1730h)
- Safeway (13th Avenue location- January 14 between 1530-1830h)
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (Quance St. location- January 14 between 2000-2300h)
- Argyle Park Community Center (January 14 between 1830-2200h and January 15 between 1830-2100h)
- Uplands Community Center (January 14 between 1830-2100h)
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can be easily transmitted through the air. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a rash.
“Anything from diarrhea to middle ear infection but it can be more serious like pneumonia or infection of the lining of the brain,” said Dr. Tania Diener, RQHR Medical Health Officer. “And people can die from measles.”
The problem with detection is symptoms do not appear until up to a week after coming into contact.
“But by the time you get your rash, you already could have spread the disease for four days,” Dr. Diener.
Anyone born before 1970 is assumed to be immune from contracting measles because they have been exposed to more natural diseases.
The focus for immunization will now be on kids under five as their complications can be the most serious.
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