Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are working to minimize the impacts of the postal service disruption.

Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.

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Measles

Health officials are advising parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on their measles vaccination, given the ongoing risk in Canada and around the world. All travellers also need to make sure they are up to date on their measles vaccination.

Please contact Healthline 811 for more information.

Detailed list of public exposure locations and times

If you were exposed to measles in a public facility

Check your vaccination record

Note: If you suspect that you or your child have measles, call ahead before visiting your health care provider, urgent care centre or emergency department to avoid risk of transmission.

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1. 2025 Situation Updates

As of July 23, 2025

From March 14 to July 23, 2025, a total of 64 measles cases have been reported in Saskatchewan (SK).

Table 1. Measles cases by age groups, Saskatchewan, 2025

Age Groups Number Total (%)
< 1 years 3 4.7
1-4 years 18 28.1
5-17 years 22 34.4
18-54 years 19 29.7
Before 1970 (>55 years) 2 3.1
Unknown 0 0.0
TOTAL 64 100

Table 2. Measles cases by vaccine status, Saskatchewan, 2025

Vaccine Status Number (%)
Unvaccinated* 56 87.5
1 dose 3 4.7
2 or more doses 4 6.3
Unknown/unclear 1 1.6
TOTAL 64 100

*Three cases were ineligible for vaccination due age.

Table 3. Measles cases by severe outcomes, Saskatchewan, 2025*

Outcome status Number
Hospitalization 7
ICU admission 1
Death 0
TOTAL 8

All cases have recovered.

Table 4. Measles cases by geography, Saskatchewan, 2025

Location* Previously reported cases (As of July 16, 2025) Newly Reported cases (as of July 23, 2025) Total cases reported
Far North West
(Meadow Lake & area)
0 0 0
Far North Central 0 0 0
Far North East
(La Ronge & area)
0 0 0
North West
(Lloydminster & area/North Battleford)
3 0 3
North Central
(Prince Albert & area)
13 3 16
North East
(Melfort & area)
0 0 0
Saskatoon 4 0 4
Central West
(Kindersley & area)
13 0 13
Central East
(Yorkton/Melville & area)
4 0 4
Regina 2 1 3
South West
(Swift Current/
Maple Creek & area)
0 0 0
South Central
(Moose Jaw & area)
13 0 13
South East
(Weyburn/Estevan & area)
8 0 8
Saskatchewan 63 1 64
*Please note that nearby major towns are provided as reference points only and do not necessarily indicate high-risk communities

Figure 1. Measles cases by geography, SK, 2025

Saskatchewan Measles Map July 23

If you are unimmunized* and live in, plan to visit, or are in contact with persons from the following communities and surrounding areas**, your risk for measles exposure is significantly higher compared the rest of the province:

  • Rosthern (in North Central Zone)
  • Kindersley (in Central West Zone)
  • Ponteix (South Central Zone)

*Excludes individuals born before 1970 as these individuals are likely to have been exposed to measles in childhood and are considered to have a natural immunity to it.
**Areas of the province at higher risk of measles are areas with community-based transmission of measles. Community transmission of measles refers to two or more people with measles in an area where it is unknown how they were exposed to measles. They did not travel recently and do not live with anyone who has measles. Areas are subject to change based on recent measles activity.

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2. Information for Health Care Providers

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3. About Measles

  • Measles is an infection caused by a virus.
  • Measles tends to be more severe in adults and very young children. It can affect all ages.

How Measles is Spread

  • Measles is highly contagious.
  • It is spread easily through the air.
  • The virus remains in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles has left the room.
  • People can spread the virus to others four days before developing a rash until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms of Measles

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • Blotchy, red rash that appears a few days after the fever starts. In darker skin colours, the redness may be harder to see or may appear purple or darker than surrounding skin. It typically begins behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and to the arms and legs. The rash may last up to seven days.
  • Although rare, people who have been immunized against measles can still get it but should have milder symptoms.

Complications of Measles

  • Measles can be very serious. It can cause ear infections, pneumonia, brain infections or death. It can also lead to long term disability including blindness, deafness, and intellectual disability.
  • It is more serious in very young children under age 5, people who are immunocompromised, and people who are pregnant.

It is important for anyone who thinks they may have measles to have tests done to confirm the diagnosis. Individuals should call ahead to let their health care provider know they are coming and that they suspect measles.

How Measles is Diagnosed

  • Measles is diagnosed through a blood test and can be confirmed through a urine test or a throat swab.

How to Treat Measles

  • There is no specific treatment.
  • Supportive measures to relieve symptoms - fever can be treated with acetaminophen (e.g. TempraTM, TylenolTM).

IMPORTANT: ASA (Aspirin®, acetylsalicylic acid) should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (a severe illness related to the use of ASA during viral illness).

How You can Prevent the Spread of Measles

  • The single most important way to prevent measles is to be immunized with the measles vaccine.
  • Immunization for measles is offered routinely in two doses. They are usually given at 12 months and 18 months of age.
  • If measles occurs in a school or daycare, children who are not immunized must be kept at home until they are immunized or for 21 days after the last case of measles.
  • Infants, including those 6 months to 11 months of age who are living in, are travelling to, or may have close contact with residents in areas where there is a high risk of measles exposure and other unimmunized people that have been exposed to measles may be able to receive some protection through immunization. Health care providers should discuss this with the Medical Health Officer.
  • Someone with measles must not go to school, daycare or out in public until at least four days after the rash begins.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Measles-containing vaccines are provided free of charge for eligible populations in Saskatchewan through your local public health office.

More Information about the Measles Vaccines

Who is eligible for measles vaccine in Saskatchewan?

Age and measles containing vaccine recommendations in Saskatchewan

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4. Who is Eligible for Measles Vaccine in Saskatchewan

Age Group Measles outbreak immunization schedule and recommendations Saskatchewan's publicly funded routine immunization schedule
Health care workers, childcare workers and post-secondary students (regardless of birthdate) Same as routine immunization schedule Two lifetime doses of measles containing vaccine
Infants
(6 to 11 months)
One dose MMR who live in, are travelling to, or may have close contact with residents in areas where there is a high risk of measles exposure. Is not part of the routine schedule, immunization at 12 and 18 months is still needed.
Children
(12 months and over)
Same as routine immunization schedule Two doses of measles containing vaccine:
  • One dose at 12 months of age
  • One dose at 18 months of age
Adults
(born 1970 and later)
Same as routine immunization schedule Two lifetime doses of measles containing vaccine
Adults born in 1965 to 1969 One dose for individuals in areas where there is a high risk of measles exposure and if no documented measles immunity or have less than 2 doses of vaccine documented and working in schools. One dose if travelling outside Canada and born between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1969, and no immunity or at least one dose of vaccine.
Adults born in 1957 to 1964 Same as routine immunization schedule One dose if travelling outside Canada and born between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1969, and no immunity or at least one dose of vaccine.
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5. Case History

Year Number of Measles Cases
2024 1 case
2023 no cases
2022 no cases
2021 no cases
2020 no cases
2019 1 case
2018 no cases
2017 no cases
2016 no cases
2015 no cases
2014 16 cases
2013 1 case
2012 2 cases
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6. More Information

Why is Saskatchewan offering a dose of measles-containing vaccine to infants six to 11 months of age?

  • Since this age group is among the most at risk for severe disease, they are eligible for a dose of MMR vaccine as part of Saskatchewan’s outbreak response if they live in, travel to, or are in close contact with residents that live in an area with a high risk of measles exposure.
  • While measles-containing vaccines work best when given at or after 12 months of age, providing an early dose offers some protection.
  • Routine measles immunization given at 12 and 18 months of age is still needed to provide lifetime protection.

My child is under one year of age. Should my child get a measles vaccine now?

My child is under one year of age and we are planning to travel to a country outside of Canada. Should my child get a measles vaccine now?

  • Discuss with a Travel Health Centre or seek advice from your public health office. After discussion of the risks and benefits, a measles vaccine may be recommended for an infant who is six months to less than one year of age. Your child will still need to receive two doses of measles vaccine as per the routine provincial immunization schedule.
  • Information for international travellers is available on the Health Canada Measles: Symptoms and Treatment page

My child is 6 to 11 months of age but we do not live in an area with measles cases and are not planning to travel. Can my child still get the measles vaccine?

  • An early MMR dose is reserved for those at highest risk of measles exposure.
  • If you do not live in, plan to visit, or in close contact with a resident who lives in an area with measles cases, your child’s risk for being exposed to measles is low.

My child is under 6 months of age. Can they get the measles vaccine?

No. The vaccine does not work well for infants under 6 months of age due to antibodies, received from their mother, interfering with the vaccine.

I am pregnant. Does measles put my unborn baby at risk?

  • Yes, your unborn baby could be at risk if you are not immune to measles. Measles infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Birth defects are rare, but possible.
  • If you are immune to measles, either through having had disease or from previous vaccination, you will pass on short term measles protection to your baby. This protection will disappear after the first few months of your baby's life.
  • Pregnant individuals who are not immune to measles and are exposed may receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to provide short term protection. The measles vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Why am I assumed to be immune if I was born before 1970?

  • Individuals born before 1970 are likely to have been exposed to measles in childhood and are considered to have a natural immunity to it. However, the following individuals should seek advice from their public health office:
    • Born in 1965 to 1969 in areas with high risk of measles exposure who do not have documented immunity or have less than 2 doses of documented vaccine, AND work in a school.
    • Born in 1957-1969 who are travelling outside of Canada
  • Health care workers, childcare workers and post-secondary students regardless of their year of birth, are eligible for two lifetime does of measles-containing vaccine.

Why is the measles vaccine being offered to individuals born in 1965 to 1969?

  • As part of Saskatchewan’s outbreak response, based on current epidemiological data, one dose of MMR may be given to adults born in 1965 to 1969 in areas at high risk of measles exposure who do not have documented immunity or have less than 2 doses of documented vaccine, and are working in a school.

Do my childhood measles and rubella vaccinations protect me?

  • Individuals born in 1970 or later are considered to be immune if they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
  • The criteria for these doses are:
    • the first dose was provided after the individual's first birthday; and
    • the second dose was provided at least four weeks after the first dose.
  • If these criteria have been met, no further vaccinations are required for individuals born in 1970 or later.
  • If you do not have a documented record of 2 doses of measles vaccine, please contact your local public health office for advice.

I have not been to the locations indicated in the public advisories during the dates and times mentioned. Should I be concerned about getting measles?

  • Your risk for getting measles is low if you are fully vaccinated. You need to be sure that you and your family members are up-to-date on your immunizations. Contact your public health office as needed.
  • In addition, if you do develop signs and symptoms of measles, you should stay at home, not be out in public, and not go to school or work. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider’s office to limit spread or call HealthLine 811 to make arrangements for assessment and testing.

I am not vaccinated against measles and I have been to the locations indicated in the public advisories, during the dates and times mentioned. What should I do?

  • If you were born in 1970 or later, contact HealthLine 811 as soon as possible for guidance. Individuals born before 1970 are likely to have been exposed to measles in childhood and are considered to have a natural immunity to it.
  • If you develop signs and symptoms of measles, you should stay at home, not be out in public, and not go to school or work. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider’s office to limit spread or call HealthLine 811 to make arrangements for assessment and testing.

I am unsure of my measles vaccination status, and I have been to the locations indicated in the public advisories during the dates and times mentioned. What should I do?

  • If you were born in 1970 or later, contact HealthLine 811 as soon as possible for guidance. Individuals born before 1970 are likely to have been exposed to measles in childhood and are considered to have a natural immunity to it.

    Note: Public Health office hours of operation and capacity to provide immediate responses may be limited. Details for each service location can be accessed on the Immunizations - Services and Locations page of the Saskatchewan Health Authority website or by calling HealthLine 811.

  • If you develop signs and symptoms of measles, you should stay at home, not be out in public, and not go to school or work. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider’s office to limit spread or call HealthLine 811 to make arrangements for assessment and testing.

In what circumstances would I need to isolate myself at home?

  • An unvaccinated person who is identified by their public health office as being a close contact of a person with measles may be required to stay at home, not be out in public, and not go to school or work for 21 days (extended to 28 days if immunoglobulin is administered), depending on the circumstances, to prevent further transmission of measles. The time period for self-isolation depends on the time needed to demonstrate that the close contact has or has not developed symptoms of measles.
  • All persons with measles are infectious for four days prior to, and four days after the appearance of the rash and are required to self-isolate at home, not be out in public, and not go to school or work during this time period.

In what circumstances would my child be excluded from school or daycare?

  • A child infected with measles will be excluded from school or daycare by a health care provider or public health office until four days after the appearance of the rash.
  • An unvaccinated child who is identified by the public health office as being a close contact of a person with measles will be excluded from school or daycare for 21 days (extended to 28 days if immunoglobulin is administered) and asked to isolate at home, depending on the circumstances, to prevent further transmission of measles.

How can I get a copy of my child's immunization records?

  • Parents and legal guardians can request access to the health information of their children under the age of 14 in MySaskHealthRecord.
  • Contact your public health office.
    Note: Public Health office hours of operation and capacity to provide immediate responses may be limited. Details for each service location can be accessed on the Immunizations - Services and Locations page of the Saskatchewan Health Authority website or by calling HealthLine 811.
  • If you and/or your child(ren) have moved to Saskatchewan from another province or country, please request your record from the province or country that you came from.

How can I get a copy of my own immunization record?

Quick Facts

  • Measles is highly contagious.
  • Measles can be very serious.
  • Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
  • Anyone who thinks they may have measles should see their doctor. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider’s office to limit spread or call HealthLine 811 to make arrangements for assessment and testing.

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