Measles case confirmed in Foremost, patient had been in Lethbridge

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 3, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Alberta Health Services has notified the public regarding a case of measles in the Foremost area.

They note that the case was present in the Lethbridge area in several public locations, and individuals who were in the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:

March 28

Costco Wholesale

3200 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge

Exposure time period: Approx. 4:30-7:15 p.m.

Real Canadian Superstore

3515 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge

Exposure time period: Approx. 5:15-8:15 p.m.

Boston Pizza – Lethbridge South

2041 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge

Exposure time period: Approx. 6:45-10 p.m.

Those who were present in these locations who were born in or after 1970, and have had less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, are at risk for developing measles. These individuals are encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

The symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3° C or higher, a cough, red eyes, runny nose and a rash that appears three to seven 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.

AHS warns that 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.

If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.

Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine and are pregnant, under one year of age, or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles, and should contact Health Link if exposed to measles as they may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce the risk of developing measles, said AHS.

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