Although no cases of measles have been identified in Alberta in 2024, outbreaks are occurring around the world and Albertans may contract the disease through travel if they are not immune. AHS is advising anyone with symptoms of measles to stay at home, avoid contact with others and call 811 before visiting any hospital, clinic or healthcare provider.
Symptoms include:
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- fever 38.3°C or higher
- cough, runny nose, or red eyes, and
- a red, blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreads down to the body and then to the arms and legs.
The best protection against measles is immunization with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Immunization is the only strategy to prevent individual cases and community outbreaks. The virus is highly contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours, so other public health measures like masking and distancing won’t be effective at reducing the spread.
- For full details on measles, immunization and severity, please see htps://myhealth.alberta.ca/topic/immunization/pages/Measles.aspx.
- For more information on routine childhood immunizations, including for measles, visit ahs.ca/immunize.
- To receive information about measles, text ‘measles’ to 88111.
- Additional provider information will be coming soon.