Measles case in Edmonton Zone prompts alert to potential exposures

Health Advisory
Measles case in Edmonton Zone prompts alert to potential exposures

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of measles in the Edmonton Zone, and is advising of potential exposures. Individuals who were at the following locations, on the dates and in the time frames noted, may have been exposed to the possible case of measles:

March 25, 2014
West End Registries (10011 170 St. N.W., Edmonton) from 7:40 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Safeway at Callingwood (6655 178 St., Edmonton) from 8:30 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.

March 26, 2014
West End Registries (10011 170 St N.W., Edmonton) from 7:40 a.m. to 8:40 p.m.
Individuals who were in the above locations in the noted time frames and who have NOT already had measles disease, or who have NOT received two doses of measles vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles.

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 Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before visiting any health care facility or provider.
Symptoms of Measles include:
fever of 38.3 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.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease, spread easily through the air. Though there is no treatment for measles, it can be prevented through immunization.
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 their local public health office or Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) to discuss.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.