A measles case in Regina has been confirmed and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is notifying the public about a possible exposure risk at Dad’s Organic Market on 425 Victoria Avenue East on July 15th between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. as well as Home Depot at 1867 Victoria Avenue East on July 16th between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Regina.

SHA advises calling HealthLine 811 if you were exposed and are unvaccinated, or are unsure of your vaccination status, or develop measles symptoms. Eligible prevention treatment is available for up to six days after exposure for unvaccinated, pregnant and for those under one year’s old or immune suppressed, however do not attend a clinic in person if you are symptomatic. Call HealthLine 811 for information and instructions.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority advises to not delay in medical care if you are in medical distress but to please call BEFORE entering the emergency department, or if calling 911, and inform the health care team that you may have been exposed to measles so proper precautions can be put in place to minimize spread.

Measles is highly contagious. It can spread very easily to others through the air.  The virus can live up to two hours in the air or on surfaces in a space where a person coughed or sneezed. It can spread from four days before a rash appears until four days after a rash develops. Through this period, a person needs to stay in strict isolation to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Measles is prevented by vaccination, which is safe, effective and free. With two doses, measles vaccination is almost 100 per cent effective. Please review your immunizations in your MySaskHealthRecord, if you were immunized in Saskatchewan, or discuss with your health practitioner to ensure that you and your family’s immunizations are up to date.

For more information on current measles exposure alerts around the province, immunization and symptoms, visit saskhealthauthority.ca/measles.