Alberta Health Services has issued a measles alert for the city of Calgary following a confirmed case of the highly contagious disease. The alert comes as health officials work to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
Exposure Locations and Timeline
The individual with measles was infectious while visiting several public locations in Calgary between May 28 and June 1. Potential exposure sites include a shopping center, a medical clinic, and a restaurant. Health officials are advising anyone who visited these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Infected individuals can spread the virus before symptoms appear.
Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider to prevent further spread. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination Is Key
Health officials emphasize that vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Albertans are encouraged to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date.
Public Health Response
Alberta Health Services is working to identify close contacts of the infected individual and provide guidance on quarantine and testing. Additional cases may emerge as the incubation period continues.
This is the first measles case reported in Calgary this year. The last major outbreak in Alberta occurred in 2014, when 42 cases were confirmed.
