Measles Case Confirmed in Calgary: AHS Issues Public Health Alert
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public health warning after confirming a case of measles in a calgary resident. Officials say the infected individual was contagious while in various public places throughout the city, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious illness.
people who were present at the following locations during the listed times may have been exposed to measles:
- December 11: WestJet flight WS – 1553 from Seattle to calgary
- December 11: Calgary International Airport (YYC) Gate D89 between 5:55 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.
- December 11: YYC international baggage claim area between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
- December 11: YYC international arrivals waiting area between 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.
- December 14: Real Canadian Superstore Westwinds (Unit 100, 3633 Westwinds Drive N.E.) between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- December 15: Alberta children’s Hospital emergency department between 12:38 a.m. and 10:47 p.m.
- December 15: Alberta Children’s Hospital diagnostic imaging department between 10:24 a.m. and 12:24 p.m.
- December 15 – 17: Alberta Children’s Hospital, Unit 4, between December 15 at 8:47 p.m. to December 17 at 10:08 p.m.
AHS emphasizes that individuals born in or after 1970 who have received fewer than two documented doses of the measles vaccine are at risk. Measles is easily spread in indoor settings. Pregnant individuals, infants under one year old, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of complications.
Those who believe they may have been exposed are urged to contact Health Link at 811. You may be eligible for medication to lower the risk of developing measles.
AHS strongly encourages anyone who visited these locations during the specified times to review their immunization records and carefully monitor themselves for measles symptoms. Common symptoms include fever (38.3 C or higher), cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts, typically spreading from the face and ears down the body and then to the arms and legs. “Measles symptoms include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, as well as cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.”
If symptoms develop, AHS advises individuals to stay home and contact Health Link before visiting any healthcare facility.
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** My pleasure. It’s critically important to raise awareness about this situation and encourage people to take necessary precautions.
**Host:** Absolutely. Can you tell us more about the measles case and the potential risk to the public?
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** AHS has confirmed that an individual in Calgary tested positive for measles.This person was contagious while visiting various public places throughout the city, meaning others may have been exposed. Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air via coughs and sneezes.
**Host:** That’s unsettling news. What are the symptoms of measles that people should be aware of?
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** Measles typically starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a rash breaks out, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
**Host:** What should people do if they beleive they might have been exposed to measles?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** If you think you may have been exposed to measles and experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediatly. They can assess your risk and advise on the necessary steps.
**Host:** Dr. [Alex Reed Name], what can people do to protect themselves and their families from measles?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective in providing long-lasting immunity. If you or your children are not up to date on your MMR vaccinations, please speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. [Alex Reed Name], for this important facts.We encourage our viewers to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities. For more detailed information about measles and available resources, please visit the alberta Health Services website.
## Archyde Interview
**Headline:** Measles Alert in Calgary: What You Need too Know
**Alex Reed:** Dr. [Name], Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services
**Host:** Welcome to Archyde, Dr. [Name]. We’re covering the recent measles case confirmed in Calgary and the public health alert issued by Alberta Health Services. Can you tell our viewers about the situation?
**Dr. [Name]:** Thank you for having me. We’ve identified a confirmed case of measles in a Calgary resident. Thankfully, they are recovering well. However, this individual was contagious while in several public places throughout the city, potentially exposing others.
**Host:** This is alarming news. Could you outline the locations and times where exposure may have occurred?
**Dr. [Name]:** Absolutely. We have a detailed list posted on our website and shared with news outlets. It includes December 11th – a WestJet flight arriving from Seattle, Calgary International Airport, and the Real Canadian Superstore Westwinds. On December 15th and 17th, the individual was at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
**Host:** That’s a wide range of locations. Who is at greatest risk from this measles exposure?
**Dr. [Name]:** Anyone who was at those locations during the specified times could be at risk. We’re particularly concerned about individuals born in or after 1970 who have received fewer than two documented doses of the measles vaccine.
**Host:** What should people do if they think they might have been exposed?
**Dr. [Name]:** It’s important to remain calm and monitor for symptoms. These include fever (38.3°C or higher),cough,runny nose,red eyes,and a red,blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after the fever starts.
**Host:** And if symptoms appear?
**Dr. [Name]:** Stay home and contact Health Link at 811 **before** visiting any healthcare facility to prevent further spread.
**Host:** You mentioned vaccination.
**Dr. [Name]:** Yes, the measles vaccine is incredibly effective. We urge anyone without proof of two doses to contact their healthcare provider or visit a public health clinic.
**Host:** Dr. [Name],how concerned are you about this case leading to an outbreak?
**Dr. [Name]:** While we take every measles case seriously, we’re taking proactive measures: alerting the public, providing details, and offering post-exposure prophylaxis where eligible. [Optional: mention any other preventative measures being taken by AHS.]
**Host:** what is your message to the public?
**Dr.[Name]: ** Be vigilant. Review your immunization records, watch for symptoms, and contact Health Link if you have any concerns. We are here to support you and protect our community’s health.
**Host:** Thank you for your time and expertise, Dr. [Name]. We appreciate your guidance.
**[Outro music]**
Remember to always include relevant links to the AHS website and Health Link contact information in your article.
