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Just over 1,800 infections remain as vaccination urged at public health clinics
Edmonton – The measles outbreak in Alberta appears to be tapering off. Despite the return to school and increased contact among parents, children and caregivers, there are only three new cases of the disease provincewide.
Of those cases, two are still in the infectious stage. The third is no longer transmissible. Alberta once led the country with per-capita infection rates, but now just over 1,800 people are suffering from the illness. Ontario currently has nearly 2,300 cases, while Newfoundland and Labrador is faring the best with zero reported infections.
The highest rate of transmission is now in British Columbia, where there are 23 new cases, though only 256 overall across the province. Still, the 10 per cent increase in just one week represents a significant concern to health officials.
Vaccination remains the most effective means of limiting transmission, and they are offered free of charge at Alberta’s public health clinics, including the clinic at 113 Thickwood Blvd.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a blotchy, red rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts. In people with darker skin tones, the rash may be harder to see or may appear purple or darker than the surrounding skin. It typically begins behind the ears and on the face before spreading to the body, arms and legs.
Anyone who suspects they may have contracted the disease is encouraged to consult their doctor or call HealthLink at 811.
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