Confirmed Measles case prompts public exposure alert in Edmonton

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning the public about potential exposure to measles after a confirmed case was identified in Edmonton. Officials say the individual visited two hospital locations while infectious, and additional exposure sites may be released if needed.

AHS advises that anyone who was at the following locations during the listed times may have been exposed:

• Stollery Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (8440 112 Street)
  Exposure window: Dec. 3, approx. 8 p.m. – Dec. 4, 1:16 a.m. (MST)
• Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Center (8440 112 Street), inside area between the 112 and 114 Street entrances
  Exposure window: Dec. 3, approx. 11:16 p.m. – Dec. 4, 2:30 a.m. (MST)

AHS notes that those born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of measles vaccine, or no history of measles infection, may be at risk. Such individuals are urged to review their vaccination records and monitor themselves for symptoms over the coming weeks.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air. Symptoms typically include a high fever (38.3°C or above), cough, runny nose or red eyes, followed by a rash that appears three to seven days after the fever begins. While the rash often looks red and blotchy on lighter skin, it may appear purple, darker than surrounding skin, or harder to see on darker skin tones.

Serious complications can occur, including ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, premature delivery, and in rare cases, death. Children under five, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk.

Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare provider.

Albertans can check immunization records through My Health Record (for those 14 and older) or by calling the hotline. Texting “Measles” to 88111 provides mobile access to measles information.

Further resources are available here.