Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public health alert following additional confirmed cases of measles in the province’s South Zone.
Infected individuals visited several public locations while contagious, prompting warnings about potential exposures in Calgary, Coaldale, Lethbridge, and Taber.
Anyone who was at the identified locations during the listed times — and who was born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine — may be at risk and should monitor for symptoms.
Exposure sites include the Days Inn by Wyndham at Calgary Airport (April 11-12), CrossIron Mills (April 11), Ikea Calgary (April 11), Taber Health Centre (April 14 and 15), Coaldale Health Centre (April 14), and Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge (April 16).
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Symptoms include a fever of 38.3°C or higher, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy or dark rash that typically appears several days after fever onset.
The disease can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death — especially in vulnerable populations like infants, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
AHS strongly urges anyone exposed to review their immunization history. Those showing symptoms should remain at home and call Health Link at 811 before seeking medical care.
Vaccination remains the most effective form of protection. Alberta offers the measles vaccine free of charge through its public immunization program, with doses recommended at ages one and 18 months. For those recently exposed, receiving the vaccine within 72 hours or immune globulin within six days may prevent infection in high-risk individuals.
Albertans unsure of their immunization status can check their My Health Record or contact 811. Texting "vaccine record" or "measles" to 88111 also provides access to records and information.
For updates and detailed information, visit ahs.ca/measles.