Measles exposure possible in Calgary after lab-confirmed case: AHS

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a warning about multiple possible measles exposures around Calgary after a person with a confirmed case was out in public while infectious.

AHS says the lab-confirmed case is believed to have been acquired internationally.

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

Anyone who was at the following locations during the specific dates and times may have been exposed to measles.

Dec. 11

• WestJet flight WS1553 from Seattle, Wash., to Calgary, Alta.
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Gate D89 5:55 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.
• International baggage claim area 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• International arrivals waiting area 6:30 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.

Dec. 14

• Real Canadian Superstore Westwinds (Unit 100, 3633 Westwinds Drive NE), from approximately 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 15

• Alberta Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (28 Oki Drive, NW), from 12:38 a.m. – 10:47 p.m.
• Alberta Children’s Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department, from 10:24 a.m. – 12:24 p.m.

Dec. 15-17

• Alberta Children’s Hospital, Unit 4, from Dec, 15 at 8:47 p.m. to Dec. 17 at 10:08 p.m.

“Anyone who attended these locations at these times who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles. Measles is highly communicable in indoor spaces,” AHS said in a Thursday news release.

AHS is encouraging anyone who was at those locations at those times to review their immunization records and monitor for symptoms.

Symptoms can include a fever of 38.3C or higher, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts.

“Measles can be prevented through immunization,” AHS said.

“In Alberta, 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.”

AHS is advising anyone who develops measles symptoms to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting a health-care facility.