Measles Outbreak prompts Standing Measles Exposure Advisory for South Zone

SOUTH ZONE - Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to manage a significant number of cases of measles across the South Zone, including in individuals with no known exposure source. This indicates underreporting of measles disease to AHS, and a widespread potential exposure risk across all communities in the Zone.

As such, AHS is issuing a standing measles exposure advisory for South Zone, effective immediately and until further notice. This standing advisory will replace the use of separate site-specific exposure advisories, which no longer accurately capture the scope of potential risk at this time in the Zone.

All individuals living, working, or attending school in, or travelling to, the South Zone are advised to be aware of the significant current risk for measles disease, and ensure immunizations are up to date.

At this point, anyone in the South Zone who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.

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.

At this time, those who live, work or travel to South Zone 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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 of severe outcomes.

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

For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles. You can also text 'Measles' to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.

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.