Confirmed case of measles prompts public alert to potential exposures

EDMONTON - Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed that an individual with lab-confirmed measles has been in public settings in Edmonton while infectious.

Individuals who were in these locations during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed to measles:

April 16
Exposure location: Edmonton International Airport, international arrivals and baggage claim area
Exposure time period: 3:20 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST.

April 20
Exposure location: Stollery Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
Exposure time period: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 22
Exposure location: 66th Medical Clinic (13635 66 St NW Edmonton)
Exposure time period: 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Exposure location: Pharmacy 66 (13637 66 St NW Edmonton)
Exposure time period: 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

April 23
Exposure location: Stollery Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
Exposure time period: 4:40 a.m. to 9:33 a.m.

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.

Exposed people  born in or after 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine, who are pregnant, under one year of age, or have a weakened immune system are at greatest risk and should contact Health Link at 1-877-720-0707 as they may be eligible for medication to prevent measles.

Anyone who attended these locations at these times are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

If symptoms of measles do develop, these individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider.

Symptoms of Measles include:

• fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
• cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air. There is no treatment for measles; however, it can be prevented through immunization.

In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.

Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or your local public health office. You can also text 'Measles' to 88111 to get health information texted to your mobile device. However, anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with a public health centre.

For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit www.ahs.ca/immunize.

For additional information on measles disease, please visit www.ahs.ca/measles.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.