It’s concerning but not surprising Saskatchewan is seeing more measles cases, says the province’s chief medical health officer.
Dr. Saqib Shahab told reporters on Friday that there’s been an uptick in measles vaccinations, but some families still don’t want to get their doses.
“This means that the measles outbreak will continue,” he said.
“Hospitalizations will continue and exposure to persons at high risk, including infants…will continue.”
The province has reported 37 measles cases since mid-March, with 10 confirmed in the last week.
Shahab said most new cases were reported in the south-central region. He said people acquired the virus in their communities or after travelling outside Saskatchewan.
Most cases involve children, and all but two were found in those who were unvaccinated, he added.
The province said one of the four people hospitalized is under intensive care.
“Unfortunately, as our numbers increase, the proportion requiring hospitalization (will be about) five to 10 per cent of those affected,” Shahab said.
He added that people fully vaccinated with two doses shouldn’t worry as much about getting infected with the virus.
“If 100 people who are unvaccinated get exposed to measles, 100 people will get measles,” he said.
“If 100 people who are fully vaccinated get exposed to measles, one person will get measles.”
Shahab said online misinformation and disinformation have made some people hesitant about getting vaccinated.
“I think we all have to protect ourselves against that (misinformation and disinformation),” he said. “That’s not just for vaccination, that’s for anything in life now.”
He said those who did not receive the measles vaccine and have symptoms of fever, runny nose, red eyes, and coughing should isolate at home and call Saskatchewan’s health service at 811.
It’s important for those with symptoms to not go to daycares or schools, he added.
“Continue isolating for at least four days after the start of the rash,” he said. “We are infectious when we get measles from four days before the start of the rash to four days after.”
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