Rocky View Schools (RVS) has issued a letter to parents, guardians, staff, and volunteers, alerting them about the growing number of measles cases in Alberta and across Canada.
While no cases have been confirmed at any RVS schools, the letter emphasizes the importance of awareness and preparedness, as supported by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health.
"Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications," the letter reads. Symptoms of the viral illness include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash. It can lead to severe issues such as ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, and even brain inflammation, particularly in young children, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems.
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RVS stressed the importance of vaccination, noting, "The best protection against measles is to get immunized." The school board is encouraging families to ensure their children have received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, which is free for eligible individuals in Alberta.
If a measles case is confirmed at a school, AHS Public Health will take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
"In the event of an outbreak, those infected and their non-immune contacts will be required to stay home until it is safe to return," the letter states.
Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization status and to keep their children at home if they show any signs of illness. Information on measles vaccines and immunization records is available through Health Link at 811 or My Health Record accounts.
For more information, parents can visit the Alberta Health Services website or text ‘measles’ to 88111.