On Friday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed a case of measles in the Calgary Zone and issued a public alert identifying several locations where members of the public may have been exposed to the virus.
According to AHS, the individual with confirmed measles visited the following locations while infectious:
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J Club Grill & Bar, #500 26 McKenzie Towne Gate S.E., Calgary
Exposure time: May 29, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. -
Country Hills Golf Club, 1334 Country Hills Blvd N.W., Calgary
Exposure time: May 30, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. -
Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, 11300 Rocky Ridge Rd N.W., Calgary
Exposure time: June 1, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. -
Kananaskis Country Golf Course, 1 Lorette Dr., Kananaskis Village
Exposure time: June 4, 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
AHS said additional locations may be released if necessary.
The agency stated that anyone who was present at these locations during the specified time periods, and who was born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk of developing measles. AHS advises those individuals to self-monitor for symptoms and check their immunization history.
According to AHS, measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through the air. Symptoms include:
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Fever of 38.3°C or higher
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Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes
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A rash that appears three to seven days after the onset of fever
The rash typically begins behind the ears and on the face before spreading to the body, arms and legs. AHS noted it may appear red and blotchy on lighter skin, and purple, darker, or difficult to see on darker skin.
Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and in rare cases, death. AHS said those most at risk include children under five, individuals who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay home and call 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare provider, including family physicians or pharmacies.
AHS stated that measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. Two doses are publicly funded in Alberta and recommended at 12 months and 18 months of age. A post-exposure vaccine may reduce infection risk if administered within 72 hours. Infants under one, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised may be eligible for immunoglobulin treatment within six days of exposure.
For help accessing immunization records, booking appointments, or receiving measles-related guidance, Albertans can call 1-844-944-3434. Records can also be checked through MyHealth Records, and text-based information is available by sending “Measles” to 88111.
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