Measles update from AHS Although no cases of measles have been identified in Alberta in 2024, outbreaks are occurring around the world and Albertans may contract the disease through travel if they are not immune. AHS is advising anyone with symptoms of measles to stay at home, avoid contact with others and call 811 before visiting any hospital, clinic or health care provider.
Symptoms include: - Fever 38.3°C or higher;
- cough, runny nose, or red eyes and
- a red, blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreads down to the body and then to the arms and legs.
The best protection against measles is immunization with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Immunization is the only strategy to prevent individual cases and community outbreaks. The virus is highly contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours, so other public health measures like masking and distancing won’t be effective at reducing the spread.
- For more information on routine childhood immunizations, including for measles, visit ahs.ca/immunize.
- To receive information about measles, text ‘measles’ to 88111.
- Additional provider information will be coming soon.
Lab update on measles from APL
Alberta Precision Laboratories is asking primary care providers to take the following action regarding measles prevention and testing: - Ensure you and your staff are fully vaccinated to prevent acquiring measles.
- Familiarize yourself with the clinical presentation of measles.
- Check that you have sufficient supplies of nasopharyngeal swabs, Universal/Viral Transport Medium and sterile urine containers for sample collection, and ensure the transport medium has NOT expired (expiry date on container).
- Familiarize yourself and your nursing staff with how to collect a nasopharyngeal swab.
- Ensure you have sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment, especially N95 respirators, available.
- Before sending a suspected measles patient to have their blood collected, first contact the APL Appointment Booking line at 1-877-702-4486.
- Refer to the APL Guide to Services for additional information.
- Refer to the AHS IPC Acute Care Resource Manual for additional information.
COVID-19 Update
Starting the week of April 15, 2024, eligible Albertans at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 can choose to receive an additional dose of the vaccine targeting the XBB variant. The following groups have been identified as being at an increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19: - Individuals 65 years of age and older;
- individuals six months of age and older with certain immunocompromising conditions;
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals six months of age and older, no matter where they live.
Eligible Albertans can receive the additional XBB dose at a community pharmacy, as well as AHS Public Health Centres. Questions: PHC@AHS.ca.
Goals of care
Family physicians are encouraged to discuss Goals of Care Designations (GCD) with their patients to ensure their wishes are being documented correctly before an emergency arises. Education materials are available to learn more about how to complete a GCD with patients and their family members. Physician training materials can be found here: For more information, visit Advance Care Planning Goals of Care Designations, All Ages - All Locations (ahsnet.ca).
Big changes coming to Netcare eReferral this spring
This spring, Netcare eReferral is getting a significant upgrade. Referring, receiving and triage users will find improved functionality and a modernized user interface. Read the latest eReferral Bulletin to learn more.
Physicians: Get support to improve transitions for patients with chronic diseases The ADAPT project is recruiting physicians to commit 8-10 hours to improve transitions for patients with heart failure, end-stage kidney disease, COPD or cirrhosis. The project qualifies as a PPIP activity and offers resources at no cost, as well as physician remuneration. Read more information about the ADAPT project. Questions: Elvira.Nurmambetova@ahs.ca.
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