People did take advantage of the special measles immunization clinics held in Lacombe, but the exact number of those who rolled up their sleeves was not available.
Alberta Health Services says measles immunization data is collated on an annual basis, including the number of doses of vaccine administered during the recent measles outbreak.
Clinics were held in Lacombe and Two Hills due to a lower measles immunization rate in those communities and residents’ strong travel pattern to Southern Alberta, where an outbreak occurred in October.
As of Monday, no cases of measles have been reported in Lacombe. Southern Alberta has seen 40 cases.
Measles is extremely contagious as it spreads easily through the air.
About one in three people with measles will have one or more complications, including diarrhea, ear infections (which can lead to permanent hearing loss), pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and seizures.
A very rare but fatal disease of the brain and spinal cord, called sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis, can also develop months to years after measles infection. Measles can also lead to death.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, one of the medical officers of health with AHS Central Zone, said there was a very good turnout at the Nov. 21 clinic in Lacombe and public interest in immunizations has jumped.
“We’ve seen across the zone a lot of interest from the public in having themselves and their children brought up to date with their immunizations,” Hinshaw said.
Central Albertans can contact their local public health offices to find out their status and arrange immunization for measles, other childhood vaccinations and influenza.
“We’ve been working really hard to expand capacity at our regular clinics to accommodate the interest. We’re doing our absolute best to make sure as many people as possible are vaccinated in a timely way.
“We’re very happy to provide immunization. This is the best way to prevent disease.”
For more information on measles, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/9255.asp or call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com