AHS issues public alert after measles case confirmed in Calgary

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a warning to Calgarians regarding a confirmed case of measles in the city. The infected individual was in various public settings while contagious between December 11 and December 17, 2024. Residents who were present at the same locations during this time frame may have been exposed to the virus, according to AHS.

The specific locations and dates of potential exposure are as follows:

– December 11: WestJet flight WS – 1553 from Seattle to Calgary.
– December 11: Calgary International Airport (YYC) Gate D89 between 5:55 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.
– December 11: YYC international baggage claim area between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
– December 11: YYC international arrivals waiting area between 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.
– December 14: Real Canadian Superstore Westwinds (Unit 100, 3633 Westwinds Drive N.E.) between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
– December 15: Alberta Children’s Hospital emergency department between 12:38 a.m. and 10:47 p.m.
– December 15: Alberta Children’s Hospital diagnostic imaging department between 10:24 a.m. and 12:24 p.m.
– December 15 – 17: Alberta Children’s Hospital, Unit 4, between December 15 at 8:47 p.m. to December 17 at 10:08 p.m.

AHS has advised that individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times and were born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of the measles-containing vaccine are at risk of developing measles. Measles is highly contagious in indoor spaces.

Those who are pregnant, under one year of age, or have a weakened immune system are at a higher risk and should contact Health Link at 811 for further guidance. They may be eligible for medication to reduce the risk of developing measles, as per AHS.

It is strongly recommended that anyone who visited these locations at the mentioned times should check their immunization records and be vigilant for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher, along with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically appears three to seven days after the onset of fever.

In the event that symptoms of measles manifest, individuals are urged to stay at home and contact Health Link before visiting any healthcare facility, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy. This precaution will help prevent the potential spread of the virus to others.