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Alberta Health Services says a confirmed case of measles has prompted a public alert to possible exposures at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and a Calgary medical clinic.
The health authority says the person with measles was in the hospital’s emergency department on Sept. 11 from approximately 9:10 p.m. to Sept. 12 at 1:45 a.m., and again on Sept. 13 from approximately 6:15 p.m. to Sept. 14 at 12:50 a.m.
AHS says possible exposure also occurred at Mission Medical Clinic, 1125 Olympic Way S.E., on Sept. 13 from approximately 10:15 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
Anyone who attended those locations at those times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles.
AHS says those individuals should self-monitor for symptoms and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air.
Symptoms include a fever of 38.3 C or higher; cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than five years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of serious complications.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
AHS says measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. The recommended schedule for measles vaccination is two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
If you think you have been exposed, and you are not protected against measles you may be able to receive immunization to reduce the risk of infection. A dose of vaccine needs to be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles. Babies under one year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to prevent disease. Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 for more information if these situations apply.
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can check eligibility and/or book an appointment by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434. Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their MyHealth Records.
The measles hotline connects you to a professional who can assist with accessing your immunization records or offer general information; provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and are feeling unwell; and assist with booking measles immunization appointments or locating a public health clinic offering immunization in your area.
For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunization. You can also learn more from MyHealthAlberta.ca about the risks of measles and find frequently asked questions. For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles.
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