Measles exposure in Calgary prompts public alert

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed last week that an individual with lab-confirmed measles had been in public places in Calgary while infectious.
Between March 26-29, the individual visited the Peter Lougheed Centre emergency department, outpatient waiting room and outpatient laboratory; Alberta Provincial Laboratories at McKnight Village Clinic, Beddington Clinic and Sunridge Clinic; and the McDonald’s restaurant on 52 Street NE.
Earlier this week, AHS provided an immunization clinic at Brentwood Village Mall for individuals who may have been exposed. Anyone born after 1970 who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not already contracted measles in the past, may be at risk for developing the disease. AHS stated these individuals are advised to 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 a fever of 38.3 degrees 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.
Individuals who were in the Calgary locations between March 26-29 and who are pregnant, under one year of age, or who have a weakened immune system due to disease or medication are encouraged to contact Health Link at 811 for further assessment as these individuals may be eligible for prophylactic medication to prevent measles.
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 between the ages of four and six years.
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can call Health Link at 811 to discuss. For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit www.immunizealberta.ca. For additional information on measles disease, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/measles.