Alberta adds 38 new measles cases, most in the north

A child is seen in this supplied photo with a measles rash. (Alberta Health Services)

Alberta added 38 new measles cases over the weekend.

On Monday, the provincial dashboard showed 23 new cases identified in the north zone since Friday. Fourteen were found in the south and another one in the City of Calgary.

Two people were in hospital with the virus.

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The new cases bring the total measles case in Alberta to 1,160 since March. Of those, Alberta Health Services (AHS) reported that eight people were currently known to have an active infection capable of spreading.

AHS says all Albertans living in the south, central and northern zones should be aware that there is a “significant” current risk of measles.

Standing advisories are in effect for the south zone and the following locations in the north:

• The Hamlet of La Crete
• St. Theresa General Hospital in Fort Vermilion
• Northwest Health Centre in High Level

According to the government, between one and three people out of every 1,000 diagnosed with measles die. One in 1,000 diagnosed with measles will get encephalitis.

Everyone in those zones are eligible for additional immunizations, which are recommended for infants aged six months and up, people born before 1970 or people who have not been vaccinated.

Anyone with measles symptoms, which include fever, a rash, red eyes, a runny nose and cough, should stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting a health-care facility or public place.

More information on measles or the latest known exposure locations can be found on the AHS website.