Confirmed cases of measles prompts public alert to potential exposures in Lethbridge area

LETHBRIDGE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been notified of people with confirmed measles in the North Zone who have been in a public setting while infectious. Additional locations may be released if necessary.

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

Location:

Pizza Hut, Mayor Magrath Drive
2720 Mayor Magrath Dr S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 7C8

Exposure time period:

April 27: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (MST)

Anyone who attended this location at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads 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 5 years 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 the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 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 immunization is two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months. 

However, with measles currently circulating in South Zone, those who live, work or travel to the area are also currently eligible for 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, talk to your healthcare provider about possibly receiving a single dose of measles vaccine.

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. 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. Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 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 check eligibility and/or book an appointment by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434. 

Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their MyHealth Record.

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.

You 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 MyHealth.Alberta.ca 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.