Measles Exposure Warning for Edmonton Residents
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued an urgent warning after a person with laboratory-confirmed measles visited several locations in the Edmonton area over the past eight days. Anyone who was present at these locations during the specified times may have been exposed to the virus.
Affected Locations and Times:
* Edmonton International Airport: Tuesday, April 16 between 3:20 p.m. and 6 p.m. (international arrivals and baggage claim area)
* Stollery Children’s Hospital: Saturday, April 20 between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. (emergency department); Tuesday, April 23 between 4:40 a.m. and 9:33 a.m. (emergency department)
* 66th Medical Clinic (13635 – 66 St. Northwest): Monday, April 22 between 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
* Pharmacy 66 (13637 – 66 St. Northwest): Monday, April 22 between 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Individuals at Risk:
AHS advises that anyone born in or after 1970 who has received less than two doses of the measles vaccine, is pregnant, under the age of one, or has a weakened immune system is at greatest risk of developing measles.
Symptoms of Measles:
* Fever of 38.3 C or higher
* Cough, runny nose, and/or red eyes
* Red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the onset of fever, starting behind the ears and on the face and spreading to the arms and legs
Preventive Measures:
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles should contact Health Link at 1-877-720-0707. Exposed individuals may be eligible for medication to prevent measles. Those experiencing symptoms should contact Health Link before visiting any healthcare facility.
Vaccination:
Vaccination against measles is free for everyone over the age of one in Alberta. AHS strongly recommends that individuals who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and the community.
