The following is an important message from Dr. Laura McDougall, Alberta’s Senior Medical Officer of Health:
Measles cases are increasing globally, with numerous countries and travel destinations reporting outbreaks. Cases have been identified in several Canadian provinces, including an outbreak recently identified in northern Alberta, with possible exposure links to elsewhere in the province.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air. Please read this information carefully and share within your practice, as appropriate.
Information for your patients
As a care provider, you can encourage patients to
- Check immunization records: Ensure immunization against measles.
- Monitor for measles symptoms: Watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash (more on measles symptoms).
- Call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility, including their family physician or healthcare provider if symptoms or concerns arise.
Known contacts of measles cases who develop symptoms in the 21 days following exposure, even if fully immunized, should be advised to call Health Link at 811 for further direction.
Information for yourself and your practice
Case identification in your practice
Please watch for symptoms of measles, including
- fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
- cough, runny nose, and/or red eyes; and
- 3 Cs – Cough/Coryza/Conjunctivitis; and
- a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
The incubation period from exposure to prodrome is approximately 10 days with a range of 7–18 days. The incubation period from exposure to rash onset averages 14 days with a range of 7–21 days.
Case notification to AHS
- Report all suspected cases immediately to the MOH on-call* prior to ordering testing.
- Do not send patients for testing without discussion with the MOH on-call to avoid unwanted exposures.
- Arrange for testing of clinical specimens as outlined in the Provincial laboratory guidance, available here: Laboratory Testing for Measles.
*If you suspect measles or have further questions, please contact your Zone Medical Officer of Health on-call at the following numbers:
- Calgary Zone: 403-264-5615
- Central Zone: 403-356-6430
- Edmonton Zone: 780-433-3940
- North Zone: 1-800-732-8981
- South Zone: 403-388-6111
Protection via immunization
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 as they may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce the risk of developing measles.
It is strongly recommended that anyone who works with patients or clients ensure they are immune to 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.
Resources for healthcare providers
- Measles Primary Care Summary Guide,
- Provincial Measles Primary Care Clinical Pathway,
- Environmental Cleaning Guidelines in Community Clinics, and
- Laboratory Testing for Suspected Measles (APL bulletin).
Resources for patients
As a reminder, current provincial policy does not allow pharmacists to participate in the publicly funded measles vaccination program.
