Alberta Health Services has issued a public warning following a potential measles exposure at a major pediatric healthcare facility in the provincial capital. The alert concerns individuals who were present at the Stollery Children's Hospital Emergency Department in Edmonton on a specific date.
Details of the Potential Exposure
The health agency confirmed that the exposure event occurred on December 22, 2025. Officials are advising anyone who was in the hospital's Emergency Department waiting area between the hours of 3:45 PM and 7:30 PM that day to be vigilant for symptoms. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing.
This warning underscores the critical importance of vaccination, particularly for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Alberta Health Services emphasized that individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered well-protected. However, those who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated are at significant risk if exposed.
Symptoms and Recommended Actions
The initial symptoms of measles typically resemble a severe cold and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a distinctive red, blotchy rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body.
Anyone who was at the location during the specified time and develops symptoms is urged to immediately contact Health Link at 811 for instructions. It is crucial not to visit a clinic, hospital, or lab without calling first to prevent further potential spread of the virus in the community.
Broader Public Health Context
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of vaccine-preventable diseases. Public health officials continuously monitor for such exposures to contain outbreaks swiftly. The alert for the Stollery Children's Hospital, a cornerstone of pediatric care in Alberta, highlights how easily infectious diseases can circulate in public spaces, even healthcare settings.
Alberta Health Services is using this opportunity to remind all residents to check their immunization records and ensure they and their family members are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines, especially the MMR vaccine. Maintaining high community vaccination rates is the most effective defense against the return of serious diseases like measles.
