Courtesy: Government of Alberta
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe issued the following statement on the measles situation in Alberta and how Albertans can protect themselves:
“Measles outbreaks are occurring in Canada, including Alberta. As of April 11, we have seen 58 confirmed cases in the province, and we are paying close attention to rising cases within the south and central zones. While the number of cases is concerning, I want to let Albertans know that public health officials are managing the cases and contacts as well as working with local leadership to support affected communities.
“As of April 11, an estimated 48 confirmed measles cases are likely to be past their period of communicability (the time the person can transmit measles to another person). However, it’s important to note that this does not necessarily reflect risk in the community as there may be people with undiagnosed measles, including people coming into the province from other places where it’s circulating, nor does it reflect the number of persons who have been exposed to measles.
“Measles is more serious than other common childhood illnesses. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and even death. Early symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a blotchy red rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts. If you are showing symptoms of measles, stay home and call 811 for further direction.
“In light of the measles outbreaks across the province, I want to remind all Albertans that these outbreaks are highly preventable. Albertans can protect themselves and those around them by ensuring their measles immunizations are up to date. Immunization with measles-containing vaccine is the single most important public health intervention to prevent measles. This is especially true for parents of children aged two and younger, who are more susceptible to severe outcomes as a result of contracting measles.
“The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and complications and is readily available to eligible Albertans. To see if you are eligible to get the vaccine, for the Calgary or Edmonton Zone you can call the Immunization Booking Line at 811 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you live in another zone in Alberta, contact your local public health or community health centre.
“Alberta Health is providing regular updates to measles cases at alberta.ca/measles, including expanded data for age groupings, estimated data for those who are outside of their period of communicability and information related to immunization status of cases and number of immunization doses administered.
“It’s important that Albertans do their part to prevent the spread of measles.
