AHS warns of possible measles exposures around Calgary

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

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

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

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

December 11

• WestJet flight WS1553 from Seattle, Washington to Calgary, Alberta.
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Door D89 5:55 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.
• International baggage claim area from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• International arrivals waiting area from 6:30 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.

December 14

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

December 15

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

December 15-17

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

“Anyone who attended these places at these times, born in 1970 or later and who received less than two documented doses of measles vaccine, is at risk of developing measles. Measles is highly transmissible in indoor spaces,” AHS said in a press release Thursday.

AHS encourages anyone at these locations at these times to review their vaccination records and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Symptoms may include a fever of 38.3°C or higher, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes, and a red-spotted rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts.

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

“In Alberta, the measles vaccine is available free of charge through the 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 advises anyone developing symptoms of measles to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before going to a health care facility.