Edmonton Resident Hospitalized with Measles in North Zone

News Release
Edmonton Resident Hospitalized with Measles in North Zone

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of measles in the Edmonton/North Zones, and is advising of potential exposures.

Individuals who were at the following locations, on the dates and in the timeframes noted, may have been exposed to the possible case of measles:

April 11, 2014
Bon Accord Foods (4915 – 50 Street, Bon Accord) between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
April 13-15, 2014
Redwater Health Centre – between 10:00 a.m. on Sunday April 13th until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 15th.

Individuals who were in the above locations in the noted timeframes 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 to 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.