Felipe Caparros Cruz/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

HEALTH CARE

Confirmed case of measles in Foremost prompts public alert to potential exposures

Apr 3, 2025 | 9:39 AM

Alberta Health Services said Wednesday it has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in the Foremost area.

The case has also been in public settings in Lethbridge while infectious.

AHS warns individuals who were in the following locations on March 28 may have been exposed to measles:

– Costco Wholesale; 3200 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge; Exposure time period: Approx. 4:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

– Real Canadian Superstore; 3515 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge; Exposure time period: Approx. 5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

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– Boston Pizza – Lethbridge South; 2041 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge; Exposure time period: Approx. 6:45 p.m. – 10 p.m.

AHS said that anyone who attended the locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970, and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles.

It said they are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

AHS said measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.

Symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, and a cough, runny nose and/or red eyes.

Symptoms could also include a rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs.

The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.

AHS said the measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications.

People born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection.

Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine and are pregnant, under one year of age, are adults and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles, should contact Health Link at 811 promptly if exposed to measles.

AHS said those most at risk may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce the risk of developing measles.

In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program.

Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.