Measles case confirmed in Calgary area; potential exposures in Airdrie, Balzac

People at several locations in or near Airdrie at several dates and times this month may have been exposed to measles.

Alberta Health Services says a case of measles has been confirmed in the area.

The locations, dates and times of potential exposure include:

• Superstore at 300 Veterans Blvd. N.E. in Airdrie, on March 8 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.;
• New Horizon Mall (Sky Castle Family Entertainment Centre, cafeteria) at 260300 Writing Creek Cres. in Balzac, on March 9 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.;
• Airdrie Urgent Care at 604 Main St. S. in Airdrie, on March 11 between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and
• One Health Associate Medical Clinic at #201 836 1 Ave. N.W. in Airdrie, on March 12 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

AHS notes “measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.”

In a release issued Friday evening, AHS says “anyone who attended these locations at these times who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine is at risk for developing measles.”

The provincial health authority suggests anyone who may have been exposed “review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.”

Symptoms include, according to AHS:

• Fever of 38.3 C or higher;
• Cough, runny nose and red eyes; 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.

Those with symptoms are advised by AHS to call Health Link (811) before attending clinics, pharmacies, etc.