By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

A lab-confirmed measles has been reported in Alberta, Canada. The individual has been in public settings in St. Albert and Edmonton while infectious.

Edmonton
Image/QYD

Individuals who were in the below noted locations during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed to measles:

January 31:

Exposure Location: Real Canadian Superstore
101 St Albert Trail, St. Albert, Alberta
Exposure Time Period: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Exposure Location: Chapters
445 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert, Alberta
Exposure Time Period: 3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

February 2:

Exposure Location: Italian Bakery’s Mercato
120 Bellerose Drive, St. Albert, Alberta
Exposure Time Period: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

February 3:

Exposure Location: University of Alberta Hospital, Main Floor
8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Exposure Time Period: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

At the following locations in the hospital:

  • Gift shop
  • Information desk and the immediate surrounding area
  • Main Cafeteria
  • North elevators across from the information desk and entire area surrounding the elevators including the public washrooms
  • East hospital entrance, 112 street and foyer area including the escalators
  • Main hallway from the 112 street entrance through to the Stollery and Adult emergency rooms.
  • Main floor area around the McMullen Gallery

Exposure Location: Stollery Children’s Hospital, Emergency Department
8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton
Exposure Time Period: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Individuals who were exposed on February 2 and February 3, 2020, in the locations and timeframes noted above, AND who have either no history of receiving any measles-containing vaccine, or who are pregnant, immune compromised or under one year of age are advised to call Health Link at 811 for assessment. These individuals may be offered post-exposure prophylaxis, as a preventative measure.

Individuals who were exposed on dates before Feb. 1 are no longer eligible for preventative vaccine; however, they are still encouraged to review their immunization history, and call Health Link for advice.

Additionally, individuals who were in the above locations in the timeframes noted and who were born after 1970, and have NOT already had measles disease or have NOT received two doses of measles vaccine, may be at risk (e.g., susceptible) 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 at 811, before visiting any healthcare 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 and is spread easily through the air. There is no treatment for measles; however, it can be prevented through immunization.