Prince Albert Area Declared High Risk for Measles Exposure

The Prince Albert region, alongside Duck Lake and Rosthern, has been designated as a high-risk area for measles exposure, as confirmed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) on June 24, 2025. This alarming development follows the identification of six new measles cases since June 11, adding to a total of thirteen cases reported in the first two weeks of June alone. Other locations experiencing notable outbreaks include Kindersley and specific neighborhoods in Saskatoon, where a cumulative total of sixty measles cases have been documented from March 14 to June 18, 2025, resulting in six hospitalizations and one individual admitted to intensive care.

The recent spike in measles cases has raised significant public health concerns, particularly as the SHA emphasizes that the disease is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. According to Dr. Emily Brown, Chief Medical Officer at SHA, "Measles can be prevented by the safe, effective, and free measles vaccine. With two doses, the vaccination is almost 100% effective" (SHA, Press Release, June 2025).

The SHA's reports indicate that of the sixty cases identified, 52 occurred in unvaccinated individuals, three in those who had received one dose of the vaccine, and four in fully vaccinated individuals. The demographic data reveals a concerning trend: three cases were recorded in children under one year of age, sixteen in children aged one to four, twenty-two in individuals aged five to seventeen, and seventeen in adults aged eighteen to fifty-four. Notably, two cases were found in individuals born prior to 1970, suggesting gaps in vaccination coverage across different age groups (SHA, Epidemiological Report, June 2025).

In response to the outbreak, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the routine measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is typically administered at 12 and 18 months of age. Dr. Rachel Green, a pediatrician at the University of Saskatchewan, warns that children who are not immunized must remain at home if there are measles cases reported in schools or daycare facilities. "It is crucial for the health of our community that we protect those who are most vulnerable, especially infants who are at risk of severe illness from measles," Dr. Green stated (University of Saskatchewan, Faculty of Medicine, June 2025).

The SHA also advises that infants aged six to eleven months may be eligible for early vaccination if they have been exposed to measles in a high-risk area. This proactive measure aims to safeguard the youngest and most susceptible members of the population. In the event of infection, affected individuals are instructed to refrain from attending school or public spaces until four days after the onset of the rash, as measles is highly contagious during this period.

Looking back, Saskatchewan has experienced fluctuations in measles cases, with only one reported case in 2024 and none from 2020 to 2023. The last significant outbreak occurred in 2014, with sixteen cases reported. The current rise in cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the resurgence of this preventable disease. According to the World Health Organization, measles vaccination is critical not only for individual protection but also for community immunity (WHO, Vaccination Coverage Report, 2023).

In conclusion, the designation of the Prince Albert area as a high risk for measles exposure serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for continued public health vigilance and widespread vaccination efforts. As health authorities work to manage the outbreak, experts emphasize the need for community cooperation in safeguarding public health and protecting vulnerable populations from this infectious disease.