Photo: Everyday Health.com

Measles cases are on the rise in Saskatchewan. 

Between March 14th and Wednesday, May 7th, there have been 27 measles cases reported in the province. Over half of them, 15, were reported in just the past week. 

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says the disease is mainly impacting school-aged children and teens, as well as a few older adults, and all patients but one were unvaccinated for the disease. 

He adds that the majority of those cases are from rural areas of central and southern Saskatchewan, however, he believes they are just the tip of the iceberg. 

“There is gross underreporting, because many communities just don’t want to let anyone know. There should be no stigma in that. In fact, if you’re feeling unwell, do call 811. Do seek care.” 

He adds that all Saskatchewan cases have ties back to interprovincial and international travel, mainly to the United States and Mexico. 

He says that measles is so transmissible, if a person with the disease breathes in a room, that airspace is contaminated for up to two hours. Because of this, Shahab encourages everyone to get vaccinated against measles, and if you notice some of the symptoms, contact Healthline 811 for further direction. Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, red eyes, a red blotchy rash, and white spots inside the mouth. 

Meanwhile, other provinces are fighting their own, worse, measles battles.  There are 1,221 confirmed cases in Ontario and 313 in Alberta. Manitoba has 20 confirmed cases.