New measles exposure alert issued for Calgary; confirmed case attended clinic, eatery

Alberta Health Services is sounding the alarm on another person with measles who was in public places while infectious. (FILE IMAGE)

Alberta Health Services is sounding the alarm on another person with measles who was in public places while infectious.

Anyone at the following places at the following days and times might have been exposed and might be at risk of developing measles, depending on their immunization status:

• Pinnacle Medical Centres Crowfoot (31 Crowfoot Way N.W.) on July 23 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and
• South Block Barbecue and Brewing Co. (2437 4th St. S.W.) on July 21 between 1 and 4 p.m.

“Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine is at risk for developing measles,” AHS said.

“These individuals should self-monitor themselves for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.”

According to AHS, measles symptoms include:

• Fever;
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs.

“If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any health-care facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy,” AHS said.

AHS notes the disease is highly contagious.

AHS also notes the vaccine is highly effective.

Provincial numbers

Since the start of measles’ rise in Alberta and as of July 28, the province has seen 1,574 total cases.

Of those cases, 15 are known to still be communicable.

Alberta’s south zone continues to see the bulk of all cases—905 at last count.

The north zone has seen 496 cases to date, the central zone has seen 108, the Calgary zone has seen 49 and the Edmonton zone has seen 16.

The majority of those infected have been between five and 17 years old—690 at last count.

Most of the remaining cases are split between those five years old and younger (443) and those 18 to 54 years old (432).

And nine cases have been confirmed among those 55 years old and older.

One person is currently in hospital as a result of measles but is not in intensive care.