The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning the public of an exposure risk to varicella (also know as chickenpox) at the Shellbrook and Prince Albert Victoria Hospital emergency rooms.
The exposure took place in Shellbrook on Oct. 10 between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. and the Victoria hospital from Oct. 10 between 7 p.m. and 12 a.m. and Oct. 11 from 12 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Varicella is a vaccine preventable disease and vaccines are typically administered to infants at 12 to 18 months, as part of the Measles-mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccination. Symptons include a fever followed by a rash starting on the body 10 to 21 days following exposure. If any symptons occur, self-isolate and call HealthLine811 or your primary care practitioner about a potential exposure.
Varicella is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person through the air be sneezing and coughing or direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. It is usually mild, but can be severe in premature infants born to unvaccinated mothers, pregnant individuals who were not vaccinated prior to becoming pregnant, unvaccinanted individuals and those with weakened immune systems. The virus that caused chickenpox can become shingles later in life
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