Viva Vitality: Measles is spreading in southern Alberta: Here’s how to stay safe
By Amanda Poll
Right now, measles cases are rising across southern Alberta. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has advised people in the South Zone of a widespread potential exposure risk across all communities in the zone and issued a standing measles exposure advisory for the entire zone including Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and surrounding communities. Some people are getting sick without knowing how they got it. That means the virus may be moving around in schools, workplaces and other public places.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Young children, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
The best way to stay safe is to get your measles vaccine. It’s free in Alberta and is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. The recommended schedule for measles immunization is two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
Check your child’s immunization record to make sure they are protected. If your baby is at least 6 months old and you're travelling or live in a high-risk area, such as the South Zone, they are currently eligible to get an early dose of vaccine. They will still need their two regular doses later.
If you were born in or after 1970 and haven't had two doses of the measles vaccine, you may still be at risk. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, ask your healthcare provider if you should get a single dose of the measles vaccine.
Watch for Symptoms
Measles symptoms usually start seven to 21 days after someone is infected. They include:
Fever over 38.3°C; and
Cough, red eyes, and/or runny nose; and
A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behinds the ears and on the face and spreading down the body. The rash is red and blotchy on lighter skin. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
Call the Measles Hotline
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are 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.
Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 to:
Check your vaccine records
Book a vaccine appointment
Get advice if you're feeling sick
Learn what to do after being exposed
You can also visit ahs.ca/measles or text “Measles” to 88111 to get updates on your phone.
Think You’ve Been Exposed?
If you’ve been near someone with measles and haven’t been vaccinated, you may still be able to protect yourself. Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 to see if you’re eligible to receive vaccine within 72 hours (three days) of being exposed.
Some people, like babies under 12 months old, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant people, may be able to get a special medicine called immunoglobulin within six days to help prevent illness.
Let’s Work Together
Getting vaccinated helps protect you, your family and your community. Let’s stop the spread of measles together.
Amanda Poll is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services Population Health Promotion program.