Possible Varicella (chickenpox) exposure in Shellbrook and Prince Albert Emergency Rooms

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is alerting the public to a risk of exposure to varicella (chickenpox) at the emergency rooms at the Shellbrook Hospital and Prince Albert Victoria Hospital. Anyone who was present at any of the times and locations listed below should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms of varicella (chickenpox): 

                                                                                          Shellbrook Hospital - Emergency

                                                                                 October 10, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM

                                                                                  Prince Albert Victoria Hospital – Emergency

                                                                                     October 10, 2024, from 7 PM to 12 AM

                                                                                   October 11, 2024, from 12 AM to 12:30 PM

If you are unsure of your varicella vaccination status, please check your health record on MySaskHealthRecord. If necessary, call your local Public Health Office to inquire on your vaccination status. Varicella is a vaccine-preventable disease. The vaccinations are free and typically administered to infants at 12 months and 18 months, as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccination. If you are unvaccinated, please contact your local Public Health Office or your primary health-care provider to discuss vaccination or other protective measures.

Symptoms include a fever followed by a rash (typically itchy) starting on the body from 10 to 21 days following exposure. If any symptoms occur, self-isolate and contact HealthLine 811 or your primary care practitioner about a potential exposure. Symptoms are less common in fully vaccinated persons but a mild illness can sometimes occur.

Varicella (chickenpox) is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person through the air by sneezing and coughing or by direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. Varicella is usually mild, but can be severe in premature infants born to unvaccinated mothers, pregnant individuals who were not vaccinated before becoming pregnant, other unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems. The virus that causes chickenpox can reactivate and cause shingles later in life. Access information about the varicella vaccination and immunization schedules on the Government of Saskatchewan website.