Alberta Health Services has confirmed two new cases of measles in the Edmonton zone.
Individuals who were in the following locations, on the dates or time frames noted, may have been exposed.
• West Edmonton Mall – 8882-170 St., Edmonton, May 16 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Prairie Mall – 11801-100 St., Grande Prairie, May 17 – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Synergy Wellness Centre - 501 Bethel Dr., Sherwood Park, May 20 – 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Grande Prairie Army and Navy Club – 10117-93 St., Grande Prairie, May 20 – 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
There have been 30 cases of measles this year in the province, with the majority in the Edmonton zone, where 13 cases have been confirmed. Another seven cases have been documented in central Alberta, nine cases in Calgary and one case in the north zone.
If you have symptoms of the measles, AHS advises you to stay home and call Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before visiting any health-care facility or provider. Visiting these facilities when experiencing symptoms of measles may spread the disease.
Symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts. The rash begins behind the ears and on the face and spreads down the body and then to the arms and legs.
There is no treatment for measles but it can be prevented through immunization, which is offered for free in Alberta at all community health centres and public health offices in the Edmonton zone.
Alberta Health Services further advises that individuals in the Edmonton zone may be experiencing delays in connecting through to the immunization appointment booking line, due to high call volumes. Appointments are available.
Who should vaccinate?
Children 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.
Alberta Health Services advises that individuals who have already received two doses of measles vaccine do not need any additional doses of the vaccine.
A vaccine is required for all individuals in the following groups:
• Infants six months of age to less than 12 months of age who are living in or travelling to the Calgary, central or the Edmonton area, or travelling to any out-of-province destinations in which measles outbreaks are ongoing.
• Children 12 months of age or older, who have not yet received their first dose of measles vaccine.
• Children four and older, who have not yet received their second dose of measles vaccine.
• People born in or after 1970 who have not received two doses of measles vaccine.
• Health-care workers, regardless of year of birth, who are not immune to measles.
