Alberta Health Services has identified a probable case of measles in the Central Zone and is advising of potential exposures.
The Central Zone includes Drumheller, Three Hills, Trochu, Hanna and Stettler.
“The important piece to note is that people are infectious the day before they get symptoms, so they’re feeling fine,” said Central Zone Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Hinshaw said it sometimes takes up to three weeks from exposure to the time people get the measles illness.
Individuals who were at the following locations, on the dates and in the time frames noted, may have been exposed to the probable case of measles:
Mattie McCullough Elementary School (26 Lawford Ave., Red Deer)
• April 4, 8 and 9 from 8:40 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Individuals at risk in this school setting have already been notified directly; only those who were notified directly of this exposure setting are considered at risk.
Abbey Master Builder Centre (4500 Womacks Rd., Blackfalds)
• April 5, 2014 from noon to 3 p.m.
Village Mall Medical Clinic (#22 6320 - 50 Ave., Red Deer)
• April 9, 2014 from 8:10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Individuals who were in the above locations in the noted time frames may be at risk for developing measles. These individuals are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. If symptoms of measles do develop, these individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before visiting any health care facility or provider.
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 and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease, spread easily through the air. Though there is no treatment for measles, it can be prevented through immunization.
In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose between the ages of four and six years.
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.
Two cases of measles were confirmed for the Calgary Zone last week, prompting an exposure warning.
Hinshaw said there is, thankfully, no reported measles cases in Drumheller.Alberta Health Services has identified a probable case of measles in the Central Zone and is advising of potential exposures.
The Central Zone includes Drumheller, Three Hills, Trochu, Hanna and Stettler.
“The important piece to note is that people are infectious the day before they get symptoms, so they’re feeling fine,” said Central Zone Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Hinshaw said it sometimes takes up to three weeks from exposure to the time people get the measles illness.
Individuals who were at the following locations, on the dates and in the time frames noted, may have been exposed to the probable case of measles:
Mattie McCullough Elementary School (26 Lawford Ave., Red Deer)
• April 4, 8 and 9 from 8:40 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Individuals at risk in this school setting have already been notified directly; only those who were notified directly of this exposure setting are considered at risk.
Abbey Master Builder Centre (4500 Womacks Rd., Blackfalds)
• April 5, 2014 from noon to 3 p.m.
Village Mall Medical Clinic (#22 6320 - 50 Ave., Red Deer)
• April 9, 2014 from 8:10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Individuals who were in the above locations in the noted time frames may be at risk for developing measles. These individuals are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. If symptoms of measles do develop, these individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before visiting any health care facility or provider.
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 and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease, spread easily through the air. Though there is no treatment for measles, it can be prevented through immunization.
In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose between the ages of four and six years.
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.
Two cases of measles were confirmed for the Calgary Zone last week, prompting an exposure warning.
Hinshaw said there is,"thankfully", no reported measles cases in Drumheller.
