No New Measles Cases in 21 Days, New COVID Variant Emerges in Saskatchewan

It’s still important, according to the Chief Medical Health Officer, for people born after 1970 to get two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines. The disease may resurge in the fall and is expected to remain a concern for months or even years.

Alberta has reported over 1,190 cases of measles this year, with most cases in unvaccinated children aged 5 to 17. Ontario has also reported at least 2,223 cases.

The routine measles vaccination program starts at 12 months and again at 18 months. Catch-up doses are available for anyone. The first dose provides 93% protection, increasing to 97-99% with the second dose. Even vaccinated individuals may rarely experience a mild infection.

A new COVID-19 variant, Nimbus 1.8.1, is circulating, but has not been detected in Saskatchewan yet due to low testing. This variant accounts for 25-45% of cases in Canada and the U.S., expected to become predominant over the summer.

Symptoms of the new variant may include a sore throat and hoarseness, similar to other viruses. Free COVID testing kits previously distributed are no longer available but can be purchased at select pharmacies.