Expert warns of measles risk in Saskatchewan as vaccination rates drop

Saskatchewan's first measles case of 2025 has health experts urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. 

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed the case last week in Swift Current. It's the second reported case in the province in the past five years.

Dr. Athena McConnell, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Saskatchewan, said the case isn't surprising given the disease's global presence.

"Certainly, there are lots of countries where measles has not been eradicated," McConnell said. "We don't even have to look very far. We have outbreaks in the United States, and so [I'm] not completely surprised that we have a case in Swift Current."

The case comes amid a decline in measles vaccination rates in Saskatchewan. According to the Saskatchewan government, the percentage of children receiving both recommended doses of the measles vaccine by age two has dropped to 75.5 per cent in 2024 from 80.2 per cent in 2020. Coverage by age seven has also declined, to 87.4 per cent in 2024 from 90.4 per cent in 2020.

McConnell said measles is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms appear.

"The most common symptoms of measles [are] fever, along with cough and runny nose," she said. "Some people may get red, watery eyes. Those are all symptoms that start even before you break out with a rash."

The SHA continues to track down and test close contacts of the infected person. People who were at potential exposure sites in Swift Current have been advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop.

McConnell emphasized that vaccination is the best protection.

"If you've had all of the recommended number of doses, your risk for getting measles and getting a complication from measles is pretty low — it's close to zero," she said. "If you have not had all of the measles vaccines that you should have had, please think very carefully about getting up to date."

Residents with symptoms are advised to call HealthLine 811 or consult a physician. If symptoms worsen, they should call 911 or go to an emergency room, notifying staff of possible exposure.

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