There has been much discussion about measles in Alberta. There have been a number of cases in the southern part of the province and up around Edmonton. It was only a matter of time that our region would have a case or two.
That is the case as Alberta Health Services has confirmed that a case of measles has been found in Hanna. In a release, they share that a person presented themselves to the Hanna Health Care Centre on May 24th and may have been infectious. The possible exposure was between 4:30 PM and 12:50 AM on May 25th.
AHS shares anyone who attended this location at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
Symptoms of measles include:
- Fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
- Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
- A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than 5 years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
– With excerpts from a news release from Alberta Health Services-
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