Alberta Health Services has issued a warning about a confirmed case of measles in Taber.
Officials say a visitor came to Taber from Toronto earlier this month and was in public settings while infectious. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. AHS says people in the following locations on these dates and times may have been exposed:
- March 8, 2025
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- Flair Airlines Flight No. F8629
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- From Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport
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- Exposure time: 9:12 p.m. (EST) to 11:57 p.m. (MST) – 4 hours, 45 minutes
- March 8 – 9, 2025
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- Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Budget Car and Truck Rental Calgary International Airport (2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary)
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- Exposure time: 11:55 p.m. on March 8, 2025 to 2 a.m. on March 9, 2025
- March 11, 2025
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- Taber Health Centre Emergency Department (4326 50 Ave, Taber)
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- Exposure time: Approx. 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- March 11, 2025
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- Taber Shoppers Drug Mart (5800 46 Ave, Taber)
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- Exposure time: Approx. 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- March 12 – 13, 2025
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- Taber Health Centre Emergency Department (4326 50 Ave, Taber)
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- Exposure time: Approx. 10:15 p.m. on March 12, 2025 to 10:50 a.m. on March 13, 2025
Officials say that anyone who was in these areas, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk of infection.
AHS adds those who are also pregnant, or are under one year of age, are adults or who have weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications. Officials say they should reach out to Health Link at 811 as soon as possible if they are exposed.
AHS is encouraging a double-check of your immunization records and to monitor for symptoms, which include:
- A fever of 38.3° Celsius or higher;
- A cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
- A red blotchy rash that shows up three to seven days after the fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body, to the arms and legs.
If any symptoms develop, AHS says stay at home and call Health Link at 811 before going to any health care site or provider.
Measles vaccines are available for free in Alberta, through the province’s immunization program. Children typically get their first dose at 12 months, and their second at 18 months. If you are unsure of your immunization history, you can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or visit a local public health office. Additionally, Albertans can text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get more details over text message.
Further information about routine childhood vaccination is available at the AHS website, as are more details about measles.
