
weerapat / Depositphotos.com
Measles outbreak in Alberta grows to 606 cases
EDMONTON – Alberta’s measles outbreak has expanded to 606 confirmed cases, with 46 new infections reported in the latest period. The disease, once considered eradicated in the province, has been spreading for months with no sign of slowing.
Two new cases were identified in the North Zone, which includes Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and the Peace River region.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says most cases involve unvaccinated individuals under 18. The province warns measles is highly contagious, spreading easily through the air, and urges residents to ensure their immunizations are up to date.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a blotchy red rash that appears three to seven days after fever onset.
AHS notes direct contact with an infected person is not necessary for transmission. Measles can be contracted by entering a room or space where an infected person was present up to two hours earlier.
Measles vaccines are available free of charge for eligible populations at AHS public health centres.
Comments