Two Government of Alberta public alerts are warning of possible measles exposures at three Calgary locations in May, including a medical clinic, the Alberta Children’s Hospital emergency department and a hotel.
The May 19 alert lists possible exposures at Earlton Medical Clinic and the Alberta Children’s Hospital emergency department.
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At Earlton Medical Clinic, 2505 Macleod Trail #130 in Calgary, the exposure periods were listed as May 14 from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. MST and May 15 from 2:35 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. MST.
At the Alberta Children’s Hospital emergency department, 28 Oki Drive N.W. in Calgary, the exposure period was listed as May 15 from 3:40 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MST.
Earlier alert listed possible hotel exposure
A previous public alert, dated May 15, listed possible exposure at the Shawnessy Super 8 Hotel, in public areas of the main floor, at 60 Shawville Road S.E. in Calgary.
Exposure periods at the hotel were listed as May 7 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. MST, May 8 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. MST, May 9 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST and May 10 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST.
Who may be at risk
According to the alerts, anyone who attended the listed locations during the specified times, was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, or has never had measles disease, may be at risk.
Those individuals may also be asked to take additional precautions if they present to a healthcare facility.
The alerts say they should monitor for symptoms and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
Symptoms and hotline information
Measles is an extremely contagious disease, and the virus spreads easily through the air, according to the alerts.
Symptoms include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, cough, runny nose or red eyes, and a rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts.
The alerts say the rash usually begins behind the ears and on the face before spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs.
On lighter skin colours, the rash appears red and blotchy.
On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it may be hard to see.
Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
Vaccine and post-exposure information
The alerts say measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications.
In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered free through the publicly funded immunization program.
The recommended schedule is two doses, with the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
People who believe they were exposed and are not protected against measles may be able to receive immunization to reduce the risk of infection.
According to the alerts, a dose of vaccine needs to be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles.
Babies under one year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to prevent disease.
Albertans who are uncertain about their own or their child’s immunization history can check eligibility or book an appointment by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434.
People 14 and older can also check their immunization history through My Health Record.
The alerts say people can also text “Measles” to 88111 to receive measles health information on their mobile device.
The alerts direct people to alberta.ca/measles for the latest information on measles in Alberta.
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