Saskatchewan hit by strep pneumonia outbreak

Health officials in Saskatchewan are urging residents to take precautions as a surge of strep pneumonia cases spreads across northern communities. 

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Athabasca Health Authority, and Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority issued a joint warning on rising infections both on and off indigenous reserves.  

“We are seeing an increased number of cases in the north. And so these are both on and off reserve,” said Dr. Angela Silveira, SHA Medical Health Officer.

“And we have had reports from our E.R. physicians and, of course, our physicians in clinic reporting to us that there are positive cases of strep pneumonia.”

Strep pneumonia, a bacterial infection, can trigger severe complications such as sepsis, meningitis, and infections in the lungs, blood, or brain. 

It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or close contact. 

Symptoms include fever, chills, trouble breathing, stiff neck, confusion, and extreme fatigue.  

Silveira stressed the infection is “highly transmissible” but preventable. 

Vaccines are available, particularly in First Nations communities. 

“We do have vaccines that are available in the First Nation indigenous communities here in Saskatchewan. That is most important,” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka of the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority. 

High-risk groups include infants, seniors over 65, people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, and those who use inhaled drugs like cocaine. 

Health officials warn the infection can turn life-threatening within hours, urging anyone with symptoms to seek care immediately.