Measles case confirmed in Calgary area

Alberta Health Services has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in the Calgary area, with possible exposures in Canmore, Banff, and southwest Calgary while infectious.

Individuals who were in the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:

• Sunday, April 6: Canmore, Save-On-Foods, 950 Railway Ave. #2. Exposure: Approx. 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Monday, April 7 – Thursday, April 10: Calgary, Delmar College of Hair and Esthetics, 5915 1a St. S.W. Exposure: Approx. 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 11: Banff, Lux Cinema, 229 Bear St. Exposure: 4 – 7:45 p.m.
• Friday, April 11: Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs, Bowl Valley Five Pin & Pints, 405 Spray Ave. Exposure: 6:30 – 11 p.m.

Anyone who attended these locations, at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine is at risk for developing measles and is strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

A full list of recent exposure locations and dates can be found online.

Symptomatic patients should continue to call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility, including pharmacies, clinics, or emergency departments.

Suspected cases should be reported to the Medical Officer of Health on-call (403.264.5615).

Clinics should check immunization records and monitor for symptoms.

Other resources for clinics and providers include the following:

• Provincial measles primary care pathway
• Summary guide
• Environmental cleaning in clinics
• Patient posters

About vaccination: 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 at 18 months of age.

Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can text “vaccine record” to 88111 or call Health Link at 811 or their local public health office. Albertans can also text “Measles” to 88111 to get measles health information texted to their mobile device.

Anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with your local public health office.

For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunize. For additional information on measles disease, please visit ahs.ca/measles.