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Alberta Health Services is warning of potential measles exposure at a Calgary IKEA and a Cineplex theatre after a person with a confirmed case visited multiple public sites while infectious.
The individual was in the Calgary area between May 23 and 24. Public exposure may have occurred at the following locations:
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Cineplex Cinema Seton — 19683 Seton Crescent S.E.
Exposure window: May 23 to 24, approximately 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. -
Amenida Residences and Hotel — 4206 Macleod Trail South
Exposure window: May 24, approximately 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. -
IKEA Calgary — 8000 11 Street S.E.
Exposure window: May 24, approximately 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Anyone born in or after 1970 who has fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine may be at risk. They are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor for symptoms.
According to Alberta Health Services, measles is an extremely contagious disease that spreads easily through the air. Symptoms typically include a fever above 38.3°C, followed by cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash usually develops three to seven days after the fever begins, starting behind the ears and spreading to the face, torso and limbs. On lighter skin tones, the rash appears red and blotchy. On darker skin, it may appear purple, darker than the surrounding skin, or may be harder to see.
Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and — rarely — death. Children under five, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are considered most vulnerable.
Those who develop symptoms are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any clinic, pharmacy or healthcare provider. The hotline connects callers with professionals who can help access immunization records, provide symptom guidance, and book vaccine appointments. People aged 14 and older can also view their immunization status through MyHealth Records. Information is also available by texting “Measles” to 88111.
AHS said the measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications, and is offered free through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. The routine schedule includes doses at 12 months and 18 months of age. Due to active spread in the North Zone, infants aged six to 11 months are also eligible for an early dose, though both routine doses are still required after one year of age. Those born before 1970 who have never been immunized are encouraged to speak to a healthcare provider.
For individuals who may have been exposed, a dose of vaccine may prevent illness if given within 72 hours. Immunoglobulin may be an option within six days for babies under one, pregnant people, or those with severely weakened immune systems.
According to the Government of Alberta, there are 654 confirmed measles cases in the province as of May 29. Of those, 630 are no longer considered communicable and 24 remain active. South Zone accounts for the majority with 491 cases, including 19 new. Central Zone has 98 cases with five new. North Zone stands at 47, with two new cases. Calgary and Edmonton remain at 12 and six respectively, with no new cases reported in either.
The province has confirmed 195 cases in children under five, 302 in those aged five to 17, and 153 in people aged 18 to 54. Four cases have been reported in individuals 55 and older.
Three people are currently hospitalized. One is in non-ICU care and two are in intensive care.
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