EDMONTON - According to Alberta Health Services, you may be at risk of contracting measles if you've visited certain locations in Edmonton recently.
AHS has issued a potential exposure alert after a case of measles was confirmed in the Edmonton area.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air.
Individuals who were in the following areas could be at risk of contracting the virus if they have never had measles or if they have not had the MMR vaccine:
- Manulife Place (office tower only), 10180 101 Street, Edmonton
- November 1, 2 & 3 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- November 4 9 a.m. to noon
- Synergy Fall Social Event, Main Ballroom, Sutton Place Hotel, Edmonton
- November 3 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- University of Alberta Hospital, Emergency Department, Edmonton
- November 8 7:30 p.m. to midnight
- November 9 Midnight to 4:30 a.m.
"We are asking all potentially exposed individuals to monitor their health for symptoms of measles disease. If symptoms develop, these individuals are asked to call Health Link Alberta immediately and to avoid all contact with others," says Dr. Marcia Johnson, Medical Officer of Health, Edmonton Zone. "These individuals must continue to watch for symptoms of measles through November 29, 2011."
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts. According to AHS, the rash typically begins behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body, and finally to the arms and legs.
The MMR vaccine, which guards against measles, mumps and rubella is one of the vaccines routinely administered in Alberta as part of the Childhood Immunization Program.
Children typically receive one dose at 12 months of age, and a second when they are four to six years old. Both doses are required to be protected.
"This case is a reminder of the importance of vaccination," says Dr. Johnson. "We are seeing outbreaks of measles around the world and whether you're travelling yourself or staying at home here in Alberta, there's an increasing risk of being exposed to measles and other vaccine- preventable illnesses. We strongly encourage all Albertans to ensure they and their children are up to date with all immunizations."
Click to read the Alberta Health Services Measles information sheet.
© Shaw Media Inc., 2011. All rights reserved.