Parkland County Added to Alberta's Standing Measles Exposure Alert List
Health authorities in Alberta have expanded their standing measles exposure advisories to include Parkland County, adding this region to a growing list of northern Alberta communities under ongoing public health alerts. The advisory, which has no specified end date, represents a significant escalation in the province's response to the ongoing measles outbreak that began last year.
Expanding Health Advisory Coverage
The Alberta government issued a public health alert late Friday stating that "all individuals living, working or attending school in, or travelling to, Parkland County are advised to be aware of the current risk for measles disease." This advisory joins existing standing alerts for La Crete, Fort Vermilion health centre, High Level health centre, and all of Alberta's south zone.
Measles remains an extremely contagious disease that spreads easily through the air, making these standing advisories particularly important for public awareness and prevention efforts. Health officials emphasize that anyone born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, or who has never had measles disease, may be at significant risk.
Vaccination Status and Monitoring Recommendations
Individuals who fall into the at-risk categories are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor for symptoms of measles. Those who suspect they may have been exposed should be particularly vigilant about symptom monitoring and may be asked to take additional precautions when presenting to healthcare facilities.
For anyone potentially exposed who has not received a measles vaccine, health authorities recommend administering a vaccine dose within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles development. Special considerations apply to vulnerable populations, including:
- Babies under one year old
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Pregnant individuals
These groups may be eligible to receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to prevent disease development.
Current Outbreak Statistics and Hospitalizations
The Edmonton Zone currently leads the province in measles hospitalizations, with four individuals hospitalized and five new cases reported just this past Wednesday. According to the Alberta government website, one of these hospitalized individuals was in intensive care as of Saturday.
Since the outbreak began last year, more than 2,000 cases have been documented across Alberta, highlighting the severity and persistence of this public health challenge. The standing advisories represent a proactive measure to contain further spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Recent Exposure Locations and Response Measures
Last week, Alberta Health Services identified two Edmonton locations as sites of potential measles exposure on February 8th:
- The Edmonton Sport Centre near 98 Street and 47 Avenue between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Axe Monkeys, an indoor axe throwing facility near 139 Avenue and 156 Street between 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Albertans uncertain about their or their children's immunization history can check eligibility and book appointments by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434. This resource provides crucial access to vaccination information and scheduling for those concerned about their protection status.
The expansion of standing advisories to include Parkland County reflects the ongoing nature of Alberta's measles outbreak and the need for continued vigilance across multiple regions. Public health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection against this highly contagious disease.
