Confirmed case of measles prompts public alert to potential exposures in Two Hills and Vegreville

CENTRAL ZONE - Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been notified of an additional confirmed case of measles within the Central Zone. This case has also been in public settings while infectious. Additional locations may be released if necessary.

Individuals who were in the following location during the specified date and time may have been exposed to measles:

April 24
Two Hills Health Centre Emergency Department, Lab and Diagnostic Imaging
4401 53 Avenue, Two Hills, Alberta
Exposure time period: Approx. 8:09 p.m. to 10:14 p.m. on April 24 (MST)

April 24-25
St. Joseph's General Hospital
5241 43 St. Vegreville, Alberta
Exposure time period: Approx. 8:20 p.m. on April 24 to 3:50 a.m. on  April 25 (MST)

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.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.

Symptoms of Measles include:

• Fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• 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. Persons who are pregnant, less than 1 year of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

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.

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 2 doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months. However, with measles currently circulating in the area, those who live in Two Hills and Vegreville can receive additional immunizations:

• Infants who are 6 months up to and including 11 months of age are recommended to receive an early dose of vaccine. However, they should still receive their routine two doses after they reach one year of age.
• If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, you can discuss with your healthcare provider a single dose of measles vaccine.

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.

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. For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunization. You can also learn more from MyHealthAlberta about the risks of measles and find frequently asked questions.

For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare 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.