By Samantha Maciag

Two confirmed cases of the red measles in Regina

Apr 15, 2011 | 5:20 PM

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is warning the public that two confirmed cases of the red measles have shown up in Regina.

Two young children with have been diagnosed with the highly contagious disease and are now resting at home.

Deputy Medical Health Officer with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Dr. Maurice Hennick says the children are nine months and three years old.

“The first one is recovering well, the second little one, I spoke with the nursing staff today, and they indicated that he's still quite sick,” he said, adding that the children do live in the same household, but are not siblings.

While this announcement isn't meant to alarm people, the health region wants people to be aware the disease is showing up in the community.

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“People need to be aware that we have this disease circulating. It is very important to get children vaccinated on time,” he said, adding that the first dose of the voluntary vaccine is typically administered to children at 12 months, the second follows at 18 months. Neither of the children with confirmed cases had the vaccine.

The red measles causes a rash, fever, flu-like symptoms and spots in the mouth. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, seizures and deafness. In some cases, it can be fatal.

It's not known yet how the two children ended up with the measles.

“We really looked into that and we continue to look into that and we've not established a clear connection as yet,” Hennick said.

About 75 per cent of Saskatchewan's population has had the voluntary immunization and are not at risk.

However, the health ministry is asking people who were waiting in the Pasqua Hospital emergency room on April 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., April 4 at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or April 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. to be especially cautious and watch for the appearance of measles.

Anyone suspecting they have the measles should see their doctor immediately. Parents can also call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 for advice.

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