Measles cases now reported in Medicine Hat and region

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 2, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Additional cases of measles have been found in southern Alberta, now including Medicine Hat, 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 21

ATB Financial Foremost Branch

201 Main St., Foremost

Approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 22

ATB Financial Bow Island Branch

128 5th Ave W, Bow Island

Approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rexall Pharmacy

73 7th St. SE #105, Medicine Hat

Approximately Approx. 4:15-7:30 p.m.

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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