Measles symptoms include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, as well as cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts. (CBC)
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public advisory after confirming that an individual with measles visited multiple public locations in Calgary while contagious. The exposure risk spans from December 11 to December 17, and those present at the same venues during the specified times may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Potential Exposure Sites
The confirmed locations and times include:
- Dec. 11: WestJet flight WS 1553 (Seattle to Calgary), Calgary International Airport (Gate D89: 5:55–7:55 p.m., baggage claim: 6–8:30 p.m., arrivals area: 6:30–8:50 p.m.)
- Dec. 14: Real Canadian Superstore Westwinds (3–7 p.m.)
- Dec. 15: Alberta Children's Hospital emergency department (12:38 a.m.–10:47 p.m.), diagnostic imaging (10:24 a.m.–12:24 p.m.)
- Dec. 15–17: Alberta Children's Hospital, Unit 4 (8:47 p.m. on Dec. 15 to 10:08 p.m. on Dec. 17)
AHS has emphasized that individuals born in or after 1970 who lack two documented doses of a measles vaccine are particularly at risk. Those who are pregnant, under one year old, or have weakened immune systems should contact Health Link at 811 to assess the need for preventive medication.
Understanding the Risk
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, spreading through airborne particles that can remain active indoors for hours after an infected person has left. Symptoms typically include fever (38.3°C or higher), a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after fever onset.
Craig Jenne, a microbiology and infectious diseases professor at the University of Calgary, highlighted the seriousness of such exposures. “When a traveler in the infectious stage of measles enters public spaces, there’s a tangible risk of virus transmission, especially in confined areas like planes or crowded venues,” Jenne told CBC News.
He described measles as “a nasty bug,” emphasizing its ease of transmission. “It only takes a small number of viral particles to infect someone, but the good news is that vaccines offer excellent protection for those immunized.”
Vaccination Gaps Raise Concerns
While measles was largely eradicated in Canada, recent years have seen its resurgence. Jenne pointed to a large outbreak in New Brunswick this year and noted previous outbreaks in Ontario, including fatalities. He stressed the importance of achieving a vaccination rate above 95% to ensure herd immunity. Alberta, however, falls significantly short, with some regions reporting vaccination rates as low as 40%.
“This gap leaves communities vulnerable to the spread of measles in public spaces,” Jenne warned, adding that vaccination rates have been on a decline across Alberta.
What to Do if Symptoms Arise
AHS urges anyone who develops measles symptoms to stay home and contact Health Link before visiting any health facility, including clinics or pharmacies, to prevent further spread.
Residents are encouraged to review their immunization records and remain vigilant for symptoms, helping to curb potential outbreaks and protect the broader community.
