Alberta health officials are urging residents to be aware of measles symptoms and take preventive measures following the confirmation of six cases in the province.
While all cases are linked to a single household, concerns remain about the potential for further spread of the highly contagious disease.
Measles cases have been rising globally, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries and Canadian provinces.
A recent outbreak in northern Alberta has prompted health officials to stress the importance of immunization.
The measles vaccine, available free of charge through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program, is highly effective in preventing infection and complications.
“Measles is not just a mild childhood illness — it is a serious, highly infectious disease that can have devastating consequences,” said Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.
“Thankfully, we have a highly effective vaccine with a long-proven track record of safety. Everyone should take the time to check their immunization record to ensure they are fully immunized. No one should have to endure the consequences of a disease we can prevent.”
Health officials emphasize that individuals born in or after 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are at risk.
Those who are pregnant, under one year of age, have weakened immune systems, or are adults with incomplete vaccination records face the highest risk of complications from the virus.
Measles spreads through the air and is extremely contagious. Symptoms include fever of 38.3°C or higher, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive red, blotchy rash that typically starts behind the ears and spreads down the body.
Albertans who develop symptoms are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting a healthcare facility. Those uncertain about their immunization status can text “vaccine record” to 88111, call Health Link, or contact their local public health office. Additional information on measles and routine immunization is available at www.ahs.ca/measles.
Measles can have severe complications. One in 10 people with measles develop middle ear or lung infections, while one in 1,000 experience encephalitis, which can lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage.
The disease is fatal in one to three of every 1,000 cases. More than 90% of people who are not immune and come into contact with measles will become infected.
Routine immunization schedules in Alberta include the first dose of measles-containing vaccine at 12 months of age, followed by a second dose at 18 months.
Adults born in 1970 or later should ensure they have received two lifetime doses of measles-containing vaccine, especially those traveling outside Canada or working in healthcare or post-secondary institutions.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage all Albertans to verify their vaccination status to protect themselves and their communities.
