Saskatchewan Health Authority Issues Measles Exposure Alert in Regina

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has issued a public health alert following the confirmation of a measles case in Regina, prompting residents to monitor for symptoms after potential exposure at two local venues. The announcement, made on July 19, 2025, identifies Dad’s Organic Market and Home Depot as the sites of concern, where individuals may have come into contact with the highly contagious virus on July 15 and 16, respectively.

According to the SHA, individuals who visited Dad’s Organic Market located at 425 Victoria Avenue East on July 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Home Depot at 1867 Victoria Avenue East on July 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. should remain vigilant for measles symptoms for up to 21 days post-exposure. Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, previously noted that the province had not recorded any new measles cases for 21 days until this recent development. As of July 16, the total number of measles cases in Saskatchewan for the year reached 63, according to updated data from the SHA.

Measles symptoms typically manifest as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, irritability, and a distinctive red blotchy rash that appears approximately three to seven days after the initial symptoms. The SHA emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice if individuals experience these symptoms, particularly if they have visited the aforementioned locations.

Dr. David Torr, a spokesperson for the SHA, reiterated the critical role of vaccination in preventing measles. The SHA advocates for full immunization with two doses of the measles vaccine, which is nearly 100% effective in preventing infection and serious complications. Dr. Torr stated, "Immunization is your best tool against measles, and two complete doses are needed for full vaccination. One dose is not enough."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the resurgence of measles globally, prompting health authorities to encourage individuals to verify their vaccination records through the MySaskHealthRecord system. The measles virus is noted for its high transmissibility, with potential spread occurring through the air or via contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or shopping carts. The virus can remain viable in the air for up to two hours following an infected person’s cough or sneeze.

In light of this exposure alert, the SHA stresses the necessity of immediate vaccination for those who have not yet received two doses, particularly individuals born in or after 1970. The public is urged to practice strict isolation if they exhibit symptoms and to inform healthcare providers of possible exposure to measles.

This recent outbreak underscores the ongoing challenges in public health regarding vaccination rates and disease prevention strategies. As measles continues to pose significant health risks, particularly among unvaccinated populations, public health officials remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to such outbreaks. The SHA's proactive measures aim to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect community health.