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Important measles updates from AHS and APL
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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.
- Provider FAQs 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.
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