A confirmed case of measles in Banff has led to a public health alert amid concerns people may have been exposed to the extremely contagious disease.
A confirmed case of measles in Banff has led to a public health alert amid concerns people may have been exposed to the extremely contagious disease.
Alberta Health Services (AHA) confirmed a person with measles visited several places in Banff last week.
AHS officials say people who were in the following locations on the dates and times may have been exposed to measles: OK Gift Shop May 25 and 26 between 1:45 p.m. and store closing and at IGA May 30 between 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
"AHS is following up directly with identified individuals who were potentially exposed to this case in other settings," according to the AHS public alert issued Tuesday (June 5).
Individuals who were in the above locations in the timeframes noted and who were born after 1970, and have not already had measles disease or have not received two doses of measles vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles.
"These individuals are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles," according to the alert.
"If symptoms of measles do develop, these individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider."
Measles symptoms include a fever of 38.3° C or higher; 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.
In addition to the fever, rash and other symptoms, about one in three persons with measles will have one or more complications, including diarrhea, ear infections which can lead to permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis and seizures.
A measles vaccine is offered for free in Alberta through an immunization program. Children typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose between the ages of four and six years.
