University of Alberta file photo. Image: CTV news
Health officials are warning students and staff at the University of Alberta about possible measles exposure earlier this week.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed Friday that a person carrying the virus visited the university’s main campus on two separate days. The individual spent hours at popular gathering spots, raising concerns about potential spread.
Where and When Exposure Happened
The infected person was present at Hub Mall on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. They also visited the multifaith room inside Hub Mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. that same day. On Tuesday, the person returned to Hub Mall, staying from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Health officials say anyone who was at these locations during those times may have been exposed.
Who Is at Risk
People born in 1970 or later who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine are at higher risk. Without full vaccination, the chances of catching the virus increase significantly.
Those who have had both doses are considered protected. However, AHS urges everyone who may have been at the listed locations to check their immunization records.
Why the Warning Matters
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Just being in the same space can be enough for transmission.
Symptoms usually begin with a high fever of 38.3 C or more, followed by a cough, runny nose, or red eyes. A rash often develops three to seven days later.
Because it spreads so easily, even a single case can spark outbreaks, especially in communities with lower vaccination coverage.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms
Anyone who develops measles-like symptoms after possible exposure should not visit a clinic or hospital directly. Instead, health officials ask people to stay home and call the province’s measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 for guidance.
This step helps prevent further spread in health-care settings.
Vaccination Still the Best Protection
Health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the strongest defense against measles. Two doses of the measles-containing vaccine provide long-lasting protection in nearly all cases.
With measles making rare but serious appearances in Canada, public health authorities continue to encourage people to keep their immunizations up to date.
Community Reminder
The recent warning serves as a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can resurface. While measles was once widespread, vaccination campaigns drastically reduced its presence in Canada. Still, cases linked to travel or lapses in vaccination continue to appear.
Health officials stress that staying vigilant, recognizing symptoms early, and following vaccination guidelines are key to preventing larger outbreaks.
