Three more probable cases of measles are now reported in Prairie North Health Region, in addition to the one confirmed case announced last week in the region.
The four cases are in unimmunized children and youth under the age of 16. Prairie North Health Region says officials are taking steps to notify members of the public who may have been exposed. The list of public locations where individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus is expanded.
According to a press release, members of the public who visited the following establishments during the dates and times identified should be aware of the symptoms of measles which include high fever, cough and runny nose, followed by a rash. The rash often starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles is a highly infectious and potentially serious disease that is easily transmitted through the air.
New Locations and Dates
St. Walburg School - April 17, all day
St. Walburg Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption - Easter Sunday/ April 20, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tim Hortons, Highway 17 South, 3902 - 50 Ave., Lloydminster - April 23, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Real Canadian Superstore, 5031 - 44 St., Lloydminster - April 23, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Safeway, 5211 - 44 St., Lloydminster - April 23, 2 - 5pm
Giant Tiger, 4719 - 50 Ave., Lloydminster - April 23, 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Previous Locations and Dates
Mark's Work Wearhouse, 4213 - 70 Avenue, Lloydminster
Boston Pizza (6303 - 44th St., Lloydminster) 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mark's Work Wearhouse (4213 - 70th Ave., Lloydminster) 1 - 3:30 p.m.
WalMart (Highway 16 and 70th Avenue, Lloydminster) 2 - 5 p.m.
McDonalds Restaurant (south side, Lloydminster) 4 - 8 p.m.
The region offers this advice if symptoms of measles develop:
* Call a primary health care provider's office, explain you were a contact of a confirmed measles case, detail the symptoms, and see what accommodations can be put in place prior to a visit to minimize contact with other patients.
Call HealthLine at 811 for general information.
If symptoms are severe and you believe you should seek prompt medical attention at the nearest emergency department, call before going to the ER so precautions can be implemented to avoid the risk of transmission of the disease to others.
Dr. Brenda Cholin, PNHR Medical Health Officer, advises that public health officials are also identifying and contacting individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus during the contagious period.
"These people are being given information about measles and what to do if they develop symptoms," Cholin states. The earliest a person will experience symptoms is one week following exposure. Those born before 1970 are assumed to be immune from contracting this disease.
For information on measles symptoms, treatment and vaccination, the public can call HealthLine at 811 or visit HealthLine Online - Measles at https://www.healthwise.net/saskhealthlineonline/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=hw198187.
Information is also available at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/red-measles.
You may also call Prairie North Health Region's Public Health Services.
