Alberta Health Services (AHS) said Tuesday that it has been notified of additional exposure times of an individual with confirmed measles in Banff who has been in a public setting while infectious.
In a news release AHS said:
“Additional locations may be released if necessary.”
According to the release, individuals who were in the following location during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:
Location:
Banff Gondola
100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Exposure time periods (MDT):
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July 27 – 3:48 p.m. to 10:17 p.m.
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July 28 – 4 p.m. to 10:36 p.m.
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July 29 – 11:11 a.m. to 8:48 p.m.
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July 30 – 10:49 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Anyone who attended this location at these 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 said. “They should self-monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.”
AHS said measles is highly contagious and spreads easily in the air.
“Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air,” the agency said.
Symptoms of measles include:
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Fever of 38.3°C or higher; and
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Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
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A rash that appears 3 to 7 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,” AHS said. “Persons who are pregnant, less than 5 years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.”
AHS is advising people with symptoms not to go to clinics or hospitals unannounced.
“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,” the agency said.
The vaccine is free and recommended in Alberta.
“Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications,” AHS said. “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.”
AHS said people who have been exposed and are not protected may be eligible for post-exposure prevention.
“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,” the agency said.
“Babies under 1 year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure to prevent disease,” AHS said. “Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 for more information if these situations apply to you or your family.”
People with questions about their vaccine records can also call the hotline.
“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.”
The agency added that some Albertans can check online.
“Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record.”
The measles hotline also connects Albertans with additional resources.
“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,” AHS said.
“You can also text 'Measles' to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.”
Further information can be found online.
“You can also learn more from MyHealth.Alberta.ca about the risks of measles and find frequently asked questions," AHS noted.
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