Measles exposure alert issued for Rosthern Hospital emergency department
People who visited the ER May 2 and 3 are asked to self monitor for symptoms
Anyone who visited the emergency department at the Rosthern Hospital last weekend is being asked to monitor themselves for measles after someone with a confirmed case of the virus visited the hospital multiple times over two days.
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), a person with a confirmed case of measles, considered one of the most contagious diseases in the world, first visited the Rosthern Hospital Emergency Department Friday, May 2, at 9 a.m. CST staying until 3 p.m. CST that afternoon.
And it wasn't the only visit, with the person returning later that evening and again on Saturday.
The SHA is asking anyone who visited the ER during the following times to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
- Friday, May 2, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, May 2, 2025 from 7:25 p.m. to Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:40 a.m.
- Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 5:25 p.m. to Sunday, May 4 at 5:20 a.m.
Measles is a highly infectious virus that is spread through the air.
Symptoms generally include fever, runny nose, rash and cough, but can lead to severe complications including respiratory failure and swelling of the brain.
The SHA said anyone who was exposed to measles and is exhibiting symptoms can call HealthLine 811 or their health-care provider for assessment.
The SHA is also asking people not to visit clinics, but said if they are in medical distress to call emergency departments before visiting and inform medical personnel that they were exposed to measles.
In 1998, measles was declared eliminated from Canada due to the success of public immunization programs.
Declining vaccination rates have resulted in outbreaks across the country this year.
According to SHA statistics, there have been 12 confirmed cases of measles in Saskatchewan in 2025, as of April 30.
The SHA said the measles vaccine is almost 100 per cent effective at preventing the disease, but in Saskatchewan only about 75 per cent of children had received both recommended doses of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine by their second birthday in 2024.