On Monday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) was notified of additional confirmed cases of measles within the South Zone. These cases have also been in public settings while infectious.
Possible exposure locations
Individuals who were in the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:
April 11
CrossIron Mills
261055 CrossIron Blvd, Rocky View County
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Exposure time period: Approx. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (MST)
April 11 – 12
Days Inn by Wyndham – Calgary Airport
2799 Sunridge Way NE., Calgary
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Exposure time period – inn: Approx. 5 p.m. April 11 – noon April 12 (MST)
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Exposure time period – pool specific: Approx. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (MST) April 11
April 11
Ikea Calgary
8000 11 St SE, Calgary
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Exposure time period: Approx. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (MST)
April 14
Taber Health Centre – main waiting room
4326 50 Ave.
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Exposure time period: Approx. 2 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. (MST)
April 14
Coaldale Health Centre
2100 11 St.
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Exposure time period: Approx. 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. (MST)
April 15
Taber Health Centre – main waiting room and laboratory
4326 50 Ave.
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Exposure time period: Approx. 3 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (MST)
April 16
Chinook Regional Hospital – computed tomography/diagnostic imaging
960 19 St. South, Lethbridge
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Exposure time period: Approx. 2:55 p.m. – 5:10 p.m. (MST)
Who is at risk
Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles. They should self-monitor themselves of symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
What is measles
Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.
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.
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The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours.
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On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
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Complications and vulnerable groups
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than 1 year of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
What to do if symptoms appear
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
Vaccination and post-exposure treatment
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.
Following a measles exposure, vaccine given within 72 hours can prevent infection. Immune globulin (antibodies) given within six days can also prevent infection in high-risk susceptible persons who cannot safely receive vaccine or in whom it may not be effective due to age or time from exposure, as is the case for persons who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems (immunocompromised), and some infants less than 12 months of age.
Contact Health Link at 811 for more information if these situations apply to you or your family.
How to check your immunization record
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111 or call Health Link (811) or their local public health or community health centre.
Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record account immunization record. To check eligibility and/or to book an immunization, call the Immunization Booking Line at 811 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. if you live in the Calgary or Edmonton Zone. If you live in another zone in Alberta, contact your local public health or community health centre.
Albertans can also text 'Measles' to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.
