EDMONTON – Health officials are warning the public after at least one case of measles was confirmed in central Alberta.
Officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) say there are another two unconfirmed cases in the central zone.
“We’re in the process of following up on these cases, and are searching out the source,” said Dr. Gerry Predy of Alberta Health Services. “None of the cases have travelled, so they likely have acquired it locally.”
AHS says people may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease during the first week of February in Red Deer, Stettler and Camrose.
AHS did not specify where in central Alberta the one confirmed case was.
A full list of locations and times of possible exposure is posted on the AHS website.
“At this point, we don’t know what the risk is in terms of further spread, but because measles is such a contagious disease, we’re being very careful about insuring people are informed about the situation,” said Predy.
“We’re advising parents of preschoolers to ensure that their child’s immunization for measles is up to date.”
He added that people who have never had the disease or have never been immunized are most at risk.
“If people think they might have measles, they shouldn’t go to their doctor’s office or to the hospital, they should phone Health Link to get further advice on what to do.”
Toll-free: 1-866-408-5465 (LINK)
Edmonton: 780-408-5465 (LINK)
Calgary: 403-943-5465 (LINK)
Symptoms of measles include:
- Fever of 38.3 C or higher; and
- Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
- A red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body, and then to the arms and legs.
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