More cases of measles found in Alberta’s South zone

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 23, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Additional cases of measles have been identified in Alberta’s South zone, and as such, Alberta Health Services has issued a notice regarding possible points of infection for residents.

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

April 11-12

Days Inn by Wyndham – Calgary Airport

2799 Sunridge Way, Calgary

Approximately 5 p.m. April 11 to noon April 12, with 5-8 p.m. on April 11 at the hotel pool

April 11

CrossIron Mills

261055 Crossiron Blvd., Rocky View County

Approximately 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 11

Ikea Calgary

8000 11th St. SE, Calgary

Approximately 4-7 p.m.

April 14

Taber Health Centre – main waiting room

4326 50th Ave.

Approximately 2-6:45 p.m.

April 14

Coaldale Health Centre

2100 11th St.

Approximately 5:30-11 p.m.

April 15

Taber Health Centre – main waiting room and laboratory

4326 50th Ave.

Approximately 3-5:15 p.m.

April 16

Chinook Regional Hospital – computed tomography/diagnostic imaging

960 19th St. S., Lethbridge

Approximately 2:55 to 5:10 p.m.

Overall, the province is reporting 29 new cases of measles, bringing the total since early March up to 118. Most new cases are either in the South or Central zones, with seven in the North and one in Edmonton.

The province says all but 12 of the total cases are no longer contagious, with most involving children from five to 17 years old.

As of the government’s latest numbers, eight Albertans have been hospitalized since the first case was diagnosed.

Residents are reminded that anyone born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles. Such individuals who were present at potential spread events are asked to monitor themselves closely for symptoms of measles.

Symptoms of Measles include a fever of 38.3° C or higher, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes and a rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts. This rash usually begins behind the ears and on the face and spreads down to the body and then to the arms and legs.

The rash is often red and blotchy on lighter skin colours, but on darker skin colours it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see, said AHS.

Those who present with measles symptoms are asked to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider. Following a measles exposure, vaccine given within 72 hours can prevent infection.

Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, measles vaccines are offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Those unsure of their vaccination history can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link (811) or call their local public health or community health centre.

For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles.

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