The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has released a public information notice confirming a case of measles in Yorkton. The individual travelled through the Regina International Airport on June 9. Because the infected individual is a young child, the individual was not yet vaccinated. 

The traveller was returning from a departure in Delhi, India with stops in Beijing, China and Vancouver International Airport. The information release goes on to state that the individual was at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre from 5:00 pm CST to 3:40 am. 

Dr. Mark Vooght, speaking on behalf of the SHA, explained the exposure alert at a media event on June 13.

"Measles is a very contagious respiratory virus and we are most concerned with reaching those people, specifically passengers, crew, travellers, and area residents who may have had contact with this case. Some people may benefit from preventative treatment if it is given within six days of exposure."

Dr. Vooght noted that the six-day time frame would end Saturday, June 15. He went on to state that while he wasn't expecting anyone to become ill, the information about the illness and its incubation rates are important because of the exposure event.

"If someone does become ill with measles, they are likely to develop symptoms within 7 to 21 days of exposure. Symptoms of measles include fever and rash, red eyes, a runny nose, and a cough. The important piece here is that If someone develops symptoms, then they should see their health care practitioner, but it's absolutely crucial that they phone ahead and make contact with the health care practitioner so that the necessary infection control measures can be taken." 

Because the individual went to the Health Centre in Yorkton directly after disembarking in Regina, Dr. Vooght is optimistic that exposure in the province has been limited. However, any travellers engaged in the same flight path are advised to be aware of the potential for exposure. Dr. Vooght also strongly advises people to receive vaccinations against measles and all infectious diseases for which there is a vaccine. Cluster outbreaks of infectious diseases in Africa and Europe have become frequent, and he considers measles to be an excellent example of such a preventable disease.

For the full travel itinerary and the SHA's information on measles, access the alert directly by clicking here.