Two cases of measles in Edmonton spurs health alert

an image of the measles virus under an electron microscope. (CTV News file)

Two confirmed cases of measles in Edmonton over the past week have prompted a public health alert.

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Alberta Health Services (AHS) said in a media release Sunday night the confirmed cases came from two medical centres:

• the Belle Rive Medicentres Family Health Care Clinic – located at Unit 102, 16703 82 St. NW – with an exposure period of 2:15-5:15 p.m. on March 12; and
• the emergency department at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, 8440 112 St. NW, between 10 p.m. on March 14 and 12:30 a.m. on March 15.

AHS said anyone who may have been at these places during these times and was born in 1970 or later with less than two documented doses of measles-related vaccine is “strongly encouraged” to review their immunization documentation and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that is spread easily through the air.

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, beginning behind the ears and on the face, spreading down the body to arms and legs.

AHS says people who develop symptoms are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting a health-care facility, including a family physician clinic or a pharmacy.