Protect yourself from measles

As measles continues to circulate in Alberta, all South Zone residents are reminded that immunization is the most effective way to protect against measles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

There are no confirmed cases of measles in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services at this time; however, nine cases of measles have been reported in Alberta as of April 3, 2014, and many more cases have been reported in Western Canada this year already. Due to populations of under-immunized individuals in southern Alberta communities, the risk of measles in this area is heightened.

Measles is highly contagious and can result in severe illness, or even death.


Symptoms of Measles include:

• fever of 38.3 C or higher; and
• cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.

Individuals with symptoms should avoid contact with others and call Health Link Alberta 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or a physician as soon as possible to discuss their symptoms, prior to attending a clinic or hospital. By calling ahead before seeking treatment, you can help reduce the potential risk of spreading the disease to others.

Unlike many other infections, close contact with an infected person is not necessary to catch measles. It is an extremely contagious, airborne disease that can spread by coughing and sneezing, and through air currents.

Although there is no specific treatment or cure for measles, it can be prevented through immunization. The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of the routine Childhood Immunization Program in Alberta. Children in Alberta should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age and their second dose between the ages of four and six years. Both doses are required to be fully protected.

If you are uncertain about your immunization history, or your child’s immunization history, please call a public health office in the area to discuss your immunization needs, and/or to book an appointment to receive MMR immunizations.

Public Health offices in South Zone:

Lethbridge 403-388-6666
Bow Island 403-545-2296
Brooks 403-501-3333
Cardston 403-653-5230
Coaldale 403-345-3000
Crowsnest Pass 403-562-5030
Fort Macleod 403-553-5351
Magrath 403-758-4422
Medicine Hat 403-502-8214
Milk River 403-647-3430
Picture Butte 403-388-6751
Oyen 403-664-3651
Pincher Creek 403-627-1230
Raymond 403-752-5430
Taber 403-223-7230
Vauxhall 403-223-7229

Individuals who have already received two doses of measles containing vaccine, who have had measles in the past, or who were born before 1970, are considered immune to measles.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.