AHS has confirmed there is a case of measles in the Calgary area.
On Saturday, March 15, AHS released a statement, warning the public of the measles outbreak, which has prompted a public alert to potential exposures.
As part of the public alert warning, AHS is warning the public that if they were in certain locations at certain times, they could have been exposed to measles. The locations and times of potential measles exposure are:
March 8, 2025
Airdrie Superstore
300 Veterans Boulevard NE, Airdrie AB
Exposure time period: Approx. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
March 9, 2025
New Horizon Mall – Sky Castle Family Entertainment Centre and cafeteria
260300 Writing Creek Crescent, Balzac AB
Exposure time period: Approx. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
March 11, 2025
Airdrie Urgent Care
604 Main Street S., Airdrie AB
Exposure time period: Approx. 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
March 12, 2025
One Health Associate Medical Clinic
836 1 Avenue NW, #201, Airdrie AB
Exposure time period: Approx. 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Anyone who was in those locations at those times and was born in or after 1970 and has less than the two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at a risk for developing measles.
Those who are pregnant, are under the age of one, or adults with a weakened immune system are at a heightened risk of complications from measles.
A few days earlier, on March 13, health officials had confirmed six cases of measles in the province.
All six of those cases were part of a single household in Northern Alberta.
Those who may have been exposed to measles are being encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor for any symptoms that may arise.
Symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3° C or higher, a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts.
The rash begins behind the ears and on the face, then spreads down across the body, and finally along the arms and legs.
If someone develops measles symptoms, they are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider.
Measles can potentially be dangerous because 1 in 10 people with measles will get a middle ear or lung infection, whereas one in 1,000 people with measles will get encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain, and could lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage.
Not only that but up to three out of every 1,000 people with measles will die.
Over 90 per cent of those who are not immune to measles and come in contact with the virus will become infected.
"Measles is not just a mild childhood illness -- it is a serious, highly infectious disease that can have devastating consequences," stated the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mark Joffe in a media release from March 14. "Thankfully, we have a highly effective vaccine with a long-proven track record of safety. Everyone should take the time to check their immunization record to ensure they are fully immunized. No one should have to endure the consequences of a disease we can prevent."
According to AHS, the measles vaccine is extremely effective at preventing infections and complications.
The measles vaccine is free in Alberta, and most children in Alberta typically get their first dose of the measles vaccine at one year old, and they receive the second dose at 18 months.
Those who were born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles because measles was circulating widely prior to 1970.
Those who are unsure of their immunization history, text 'vaccine record' or 'measles' to 88111, call Health Link at 811, or the local public health office.
To learn more about measles, click here.