Edmonton child infected with measles; exposure includes a maternity unit

Watch above: An Edmonton child, who was not vaccinated, is the city’s ninth case of the measles. Ross Neitz has the story.

EDMONTON –Edmonton’s ninth measles case, an unimmunized pre-school boy, spent time in the maternal and newborn unit at Grey Nuns Hospital, Alberta Health Services says.

AHS said the child, who is under five, was in the unit May 7, from 8 to 11:30 p.m.

Infants are at increased risk of the serious effects of measles and cannot be immunized until they’re six months old.

“Infants and young children are at highest risk for the severe complications of measles, including death,” said Dr. Marcia Johnson, Edmonton Zone Medical Officer of Health.

“This is a severe illness, this is a very contagious illness.”

Health officials say the boy had been exposed to a previous case of measles in Edmonton 12 days ago.

The full list of potential exposures stemming from his case includes:

Grey Nuns Hospital Emergency Department –1100 Youville Drive N.W., Edmonton

• May 5th – 7 p.m. until May 6 – 1:30 a.m.

(CORRECTION: On Thursday, May 15, Alberta Health Services added the following exposure location for May 6)

Dr. Bhambhani’s Medical Office – #209, 9252 – 34 Avenue, Edmonton

• May 6th – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Grey Nuns Hospital – Unit 33 (3^rd floor) –1100 Youville Drive NW, Edmonton

• May 7th – 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dr. Bhambhani’s Medical Office – #209, 9252 – 34 Avenue, Edmonton

• May 10th – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dynalife Laboratory – Tawa Centre – 3011 – 66 Street, Edmonton

• May 11th – 10:50 p.m. until May 11 – 1:10 p.m.

Dr. Bhambhani’s Medical Office – #209, 9252 – 34 Avenue, Edmonton

• May 12^th – 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

There is some good news for mothers who were in the maternity ward at the time listed above. AHS says if a mother has been immunized, her infant will also have some level of immunity as well.

This is the second case to be announced in as many days, and the 26th case in Alberta.

READ MORE: West Edmonton Mall one of eight exposure zones in city’s latest measles case

Johnson continues to stress the importance of getting vaccinated.

“These cases of measles are completely preventable. They’re prevented by taking two strategies: number one is please be immunized, immunize yourself and immunize your children.”

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The second way to prevent the spread of this extremely contagious disease, she added, is to stay home when you develop any symptoms and call Health Link (1-866-408-5465).

At the end of April, AHS declared a measles outbreak in the province, allowing infants between six and 11 months to be eligible for a dose of the vaccine.

Of the approximately 7,300 individuals who have been immunized in the Edmonton Zone since April 30, health officials say, about 3,000 of which have been infants under 12 months of age.

For extensive coverage, including frequently asked questions about measles and a list of exposure locations across the province, visit the Global News Alberta measles web page.