Saskatchewan Faces Measles Threat Amid Alberta Outbreak: Experts Warn

SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA — As Saskatchewan celebrates a 21-day stretch without a reported measles case, health experts caution that the threat is far from over. The province has recorded a total of 60 measles cases in 2025 alone, a sharp increase from the combined two cases reported between 2015 and 2024. This alarming trend comes as neighboring Alberta grapples with a staggering 1,314 confirmed cases this year, surpassing the total for the entire United States.

Dr. Jasmine Hasselback, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), acknowledged the recent respite in reported cases but emphasized the importance of vigilance. "The reality is you really should be acting as if you’ve got potential for seeing measles in all sorts of places," Hasselback stated in an interview on July 14, 2025, highlighting an exposure notice issued the week prior.

The significant rise in measles cases in Alberta has raised alarms among health officials. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, noted that Alberta has reached the highest rate of measles per capita in North America. "We haven’t seen numbers like this in 25 years. As a matter of fact, right now we’re well above the last 25 years’ total for all of Canada in Alberta," she explained.

Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary, linked the alarming spread in Alberta to a significant drop in vaccination rates, which have fallen below 50%. "Herd immunity requires a vaccination rate of 95% or higher. Unfortunately, that’s what we’re seeing in Alberta, and vaccine rates are simply too low to stop that spread," Jenne asserted. The lack of vaccination creates a situation where new cases can easily ignite outbreaks within communities, particularly if introduced through travel.

Despite Saskatchewan’s lower case numbers, experts warn that the province should take heed of Alberta's situation. Joseph Blondeau, a clinical microbiologist at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, expressed concern that measles could still pose a serious threat in Saskatchewan. "We’re likely still going to see cases in Saskatchewan going forward. I don’t think that this problem is over yet," Blondeau said, reiterating the importance of vaccination.

The situation is compounded by uncertainties regarding vaccination rates in Saskatchewan, as the provincial health website does not currently publish this data. The SHA has, however, strongly recommended that individuals ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, pointing to the transmissibility of the virus, which is significantly higher than that of COVID-19.

The SHA is taking proactive steps in response to the outbreak, including expanding measles vaccination to infants. Experts like Jenne urge immediate action, stating, "There is a very narrow and fleeting window right now to raise those numbers and be able to get other jurisdictions protected before measles gains a foothold."

As vaccination campaigns ramp up, the SHA’s recommendations are crucial for safeguarding public health in Saskatchewan. With events such as the Calgary Stampede recently concluded, the potential for increased transmission remains a looming concern. Health authorities remain vigilant, continuously monitoring the situation as communities brace themselves for the possibility of an outbreak.

In conclusion, while Saskatchewan may currently appear to be in a lull regarding measles cases, the ongoing outbreak in Alberta serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health vigilance. Without concerted efforts to improve vaccination rates, health experts caution that Saskatchewan could soon find itself facing a similar crisis.