On Tuesday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said that an individual with lab-confirmed measles has been in public settings in Calgary while infectious, prompting a public alert to potential exposures.

Individuals who were in the following locations may have been exposed to the virus.

  • November 23: Air Canada flight AC206 Vancouver (YVR) to Calgary (YYC)
    • Exposure time period: Duration of flight. The flight departed Thursday, November 23 at 11:20 a.m. MST, and arrived Thursday, November 23 at 12:45 p.m. MST.
    • Exposure Location: Calgary International Airport, domestic arrivals
    • Exposure time period: 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. MST.
  • November 24: Alberta Children’s Hospital (Calgary)
    • Exposure time period:4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. MST
    • At the following locations in the hospital: Emergency Department waiting room
  • November 27: Alberta Children’s Hospital (Calgary)
    • Exposure time period:1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    • At the following locations in the hospital: Emergency Department waiting room.

Anyone who attended these locations at these times is strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and call HealthLink 811 for advice.

"Exposed people who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine, who are pregnant, under one year of age, or have a weakened immune system are encouraged to contact Health Link as they may be eligible for medication to prevent measles," AHS stated.

Individuals are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

"If symptoms of measles do develop, these individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811, before visiting any healthcare facility or provider."

Symptoms of Measles include:

  • fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
  • cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
  • a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.

AHS underlined that Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.

"There is no treatment for measles; however, it can be prevented through immunization."

In Alberta, the measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.

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