AHS issues warning after confirmed case of measles in Calgary

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a public alert after another case of measles was confirmed in Calgary.

The health agency says the person was at several locations in the city while contagious.

• Cineplex Cinema Seton, 19683 Seton Crescent SE, Calgary May 23 to May 24: Exposure time: Approx. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
• Amenida Residences and Hotel, 4206 Macleod Trail South, Calgary May 24: Exposure time: Approx. 1 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• IKEA, 8000 11 St SE, Calgary May 24: Exposure time: Approx. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m

Anyone who was in these locations at these times, who was born after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of the measles vaccine may be at risk for developing measles, AHS says. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to look back at 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 develop, individuals should 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.

AHS says 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 two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.