Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public alert after confirming a case of measles in the Calgary Zone.
The individual visited several public locations while infectious, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious disease in Canmore, Banff, and Calgary.
AHS warns that people who were in the following locations during specific times may have been exposed:
April 6 at Save-On-Foods in Canmore (950 Railway Ave. #2) between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m.
April 7–10 at Delmar College of Hair and Esthetics in Calgary (5915 1a St. SW) between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
April 11 at Lux Cinema in Banff (229 Bear St.) between 4 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., and later at Fairmont Banff Springs' Bowl Valley Five Pin & Pints (405 Spray Ave.) between 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Individuals born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine are at risk and are urged to check their immunization status and monitor for symptoms.
Measles symptoms typically include a fever of 38.3°C or higher, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that begins behind the ears and on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. On lighter skin, the rash appears red and blotchy, while on darker skin, it may appear purple, darker than the surrounding skin, or be harder to detect.
Anyone who develops symptoms should remain at home and call Health Link at 811 before seeking medical attention to prevent further spread.
Measles is airborne and extremely contagious. People born since 1970 who have not received two vaccine doses — especially those who are pregnant, under one year old, immunocompromised, or adults — are most at risk of serious complications. They should contact Health Link promptly if exposed, as they may be eligible for a preventive vaccine or immune globulin.
In Alberta, the measles vaccine is free and part of the publicly funded immunization program. Children typically receive doses at 12 months and again at 18 months. Those unsure of their immunization history can text “vaccine record” to 88111, call Health Link at 811, or reach out to their local public health office. Texting “Measles” to 88111 will also provide mobile access to key information.
Additional resources are available at www.ahs.ca/immunize and www.ahs.ca/measles.
