AHS says measles outbreak in Calgary now over

CALGARY – Alberta Health Services says a measles outbreak originally declared in Calgary in April has now been lifted.

The outbreak was first declared on April 29th after 22 cases of measles were confirmed throughout the province.

However, the outbreak remains active in Edmonton.

Officials say they will no longer be offering an early additional dose of measles vaccine to infants six months of age to less than 12 months of age, who are living in or travelling to the Calgary – which was

recommended while the outbreak was active.

AHS still warns that without immunization, Albertans may be at risk of contracting the illness.

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The measles vaccine is available, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly-funded immunization program to:

• All Albertans born in or after 1970 require two documented doses of measles vaccine, to be protected.
• Children in Alberta are recommended to receive these two doses of measles vaccine, administered at 12 months of age and between four and six years of age.
• Infants who received an additional early dose of measles vaccine during the outbreak must still receive both of these routinely recommended doses (at 12 months of age and between four and six years of age) to be protected against measles.

What is Measles?

Measles is caused by a virus that is spread easily through the air. It’s very contagious, and anyone who has not had the disease in the past or has not been vaccinated is in danger of becoming infected.

Typically, the disease will develop about 10 days after exposed, and tends to be most severe in infants and adults than in children.

Symptoms of Measles:

Fever of 38.3° C or higher, 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 and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs.

How do I know if I was immunized?

Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can call their local public health office or Health Link Alberta (1.866.408.5465) to discuss.