Alberta Health Services is warning that several individuals with the measles have been in public settings while infectious, including at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre from April 3 to 5.
There are no confirmed Red Deer cases in Central Zone. All cases have been in the Two Hills area, with one in Holden.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.
People who were in the following areas of the Red Deer hospital at times may have been exposed to measles:
• 12 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. on April 3, at the Emergency Department.
• 11:35 a.m. on April 3 to 1:30 p.m. on April 5, at the Surge Unit.
• 2:55 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on April 4, at Diagnostic Imaging.
Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles. They should self-monitor themselves of symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
Central Zone has seen a total of 26 measles cases, with four new cases reported on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Alberta Health Services was notified of 13 confirmed cases of measles in the community of Two Hills, and an additional new case was confirmed in the Vegreville area.
Recent possible exposure locations were also identified in Two Hills, Vegreville, and Edmonton. For information visit www.alberta.ca/measles.
Symptoms of measles include fever of 38.3 C or higher; cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than 1 year of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program.
Following a measles exposure, vaccine given within 72 hours can prevent infection. Immune globulin (antibodies) given within six days can also prevent infection in high-risk susceptible persons who cannot safely receive vaccine or in whom it may not be effective due to age or time from exposure, as is the case for persons who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems (immunocompromised), and some infants less than 12 months of age.
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111 or call Health Link (811) or their local public health or community health centre. Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record account immunization record.
To check vaccine eligibility and/or to book an immunization, call the Immunization Booking Line at 811 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. if you live in the Calgary or Edmonton Zone. If you live in another zone in Alberta, contact your local public health or community health centre.
Albertans can also text 'Measles' to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.
For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunization You can also learn more from MyHealthAlberta about the risks of measles here and find frequently asked questions here.
