Alberta sees 15 new measles cases in 24 hours

Alberta Health says there are 18 new cases of measles in the south zone, bringing the total measles cases in the province to 159 since the start of March.

Within 24 hours, 15 new measles cases have been found in Alberta, bringing the total up to 1,065 since March.

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The north zone saw 14 new cases and the south zone saw one new case.

There is currently one person in the ICU because of measles.

Data from the province shows there are 20 active cases across Alberta.

Alberta Health recorded 30 new cases which popped up over the weekend.

• 30 new measles cases reported in Alberta

The latest numbers come after warnings of several exposures in and around Edmonton in recent weeks.

• AHS warns of more measles exposures in 4 central, northern communities

Alberta Health Services said a person with a confirmed case of measles was out in public in the north zone at the following locations:

Shoppers Drug Mart, Wapiti Centre, Grande Prairie

• June 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

New Horizon CO-OP, Trader Ridge, Grande Prairie

• June 22 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Anyone who was at the two locations during the specific time frames may have been exposed to measles.

Those born in or after 1970 and have less than two documented doses of the measles vaccine may be at risk of developing the highly infectious disease.

Symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts.

Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and, rarely, death.

Should symptoms of measles develop, AHS advises people 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.

If you think you have been exposed and are not protected against measles, you may be able to receive immunization to reduce the risk of infection. A vaccine dose needs to be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles. Babies under one year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to prevent the disease.